Taliban denies meeting with US envoy in Islamabad as Zalmay awaits progress

Afghan Taliban spokesman has denied rumours regarding their meeting US Special Envoy for Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad as the latter said he had good meetings during Pakistan visit although he awaits concrete progress on Afghan peace talks
The envoy on the second day of his current trip to Pakistan on Friday met Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

In a tweet after his meeting with Mr Qureshi, Ambassador Khalilzad said he had a “good meeting” in which “the important role regional countries like Pakistan have in helping deliver peace and reconciliation in Afghanis­tan” was discussed.
Mr Qureshi, he said, assured him of Pakistan’s support. “I look forward to concrete progress,” he added.
However, in a late night development, Taliban spokesman poured cold water on hopes of an immediate breakthrough by denying reports about an impending meeting with US side.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted: “Rumors about some meeting between US representative (Zalmay Khalilzad) & representatives of Islamic Emirate in Islamabad are untrue.”
PM Khan tells Zalmay Khalilzad Pakistan remains committed to facilitating peace process in Afghanistan
Ambassador Khalilzad had reached Islamabad on Thursday and met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The visit is taking place against the backdrop of a deadlock in talks between the United States and Taliban over initiation of a reconciliation process. The impasse has been caused by Taliban’s refusal to talk to the Afghan government.