Pakistan wants US withdrawal from Afghanistan in a responsible manner

Pakistan wants US withdrawal from Afghanistan in a responsible manner.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi asked the United States not to repeat the mistake of 1980s’ troops withdrawal.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News on Friday, he called for a responsible withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

Pakistan wants US withdrawal

He said that Pakistan is asking [the U.S.] for a responsible withdrawal unlike 80s which created a vacuum for the destructive forces to take over.

Foreign Minister of Pakistan has met US officials and lawmakers during his visit to Washington D.C.

The visit came in the wake of regional tension.

However, while talking to Fox News, he referred to the commitment of US President Donald Trump on military withdrawal.

US troops remain stationed in the conflict-hit Afghanistan.

meanwhile, he also reminded that Pakistan facilitated a dialogue with Taliban on the request of President Trump in a hope for peace and stability.

While answering a question on primary goal of his recent talks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, the foreign minister said that aimed at de-escalation and diffusion of the conflict.

He added that the talks aimed at averting negative effects in the region.

On Afghan peace process, he expressed hope of an agreement between the U.S. and Taliban. He noted that Taliban are today talking to U.S.

He also expressed optimism regarding possibility of an agreement due to Taliban’s Thursday announcement of a ceasefire of 7-10 days before they could take next step leading to dialogue.

Asked about the role of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) in supporting the Haqqani network, the foreign minister said, “Let’s not discuss the past but future, which is in every body’s interest.”

However, he also mentioned ISI’s support for the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Minister pointed to the ISI’s support to the peace process.

He said ISI had been facilitating and have used their little influence to bring the Taliban to negotiation which the U.S. asked for and which they delivered.

But, US administration remain tight-lipped.