The European Union and Pakistan have backed an intra-Afghan peace process involving all stakeholders to work jointly for achieving lasting peace in the region, particularly Afghanistan.

EU’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson, who was on a three-day visit to Pakistan, also praised Islamabad’s proactive role for regional peace and stability.  

The envoy, in a statement issued by EU Pakistan, said “the EU and Pakistan reiterate their strong support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, involving all stakeholders to collectively work for achieving lasting peace in the region and Afghanistan in particular.”

He underlined the EU’s efforts in the Afghan peace process and continued engagement with regional partners as he concluded his first official visit to Pakistan

Violence in Afghanistan has been increasing since May 1, when the withdrawal of troops began.

The situation looks particularly grim following the stalemate in the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha. The two sides have made little progress in their negotiations since their dialogue started last September.

The talks plunged into uncertainty after US President Joe Biden in April announced troop pull-out from Afghanistan by Sept 11, ending one of the longest overseas American military engagements.

Much like his predecessor Donald Trump keeping the Afghanistan government out of its Feb 2020 agreement with the Taliban, President Biden’s decision is believed to have taken away the reason from the Taliban for talking. The insurgent group is already considering itself victorious.

Niklasson said peace in Afghanistan was linked to the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and it would also strengthen regional integration and connectivity.

He said, “My meetings reaffirmed the position of both the EU and Pakistan, that only a political settlement through inclusive dialogue, offers hope for durable peace.”

On several occasions, he said, the EU and Pakistan have called upon all parties to strive for the elimination of violence as a genuine commitment to peace and reconciliation, according to a Tribune report.

“The European Union will make every effort to support the peace process, which should protect and strengthen progress on human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, with special relevance to women and girls, laying the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan,” he assured.

(SAM)