Pakistan has welcomed the announcement made by United States (US) and Afghan Taliban to agree on signing a peace deal for Afghanistan on February 29.

The FO spokesperson in its statement said that Pakistan has consistently supported direct negotiations between the US and Taliban.

“From the outset, Pakistan has facilitated this process and contributed to its progress thus far. We look forward to the signing of the agreement on 29 February 2020,” the statement read.

“We believe the signing of the U.S.-Taliban agreement will pave the way for the next step of intra-Afghan negotiations. We hope the Afghan parties would now seize this historic opportunity and work out a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.”

The foreign office’s spokesperson once again reiterated: “Pakistan reaffirms its support for a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and with its neighbours.”

“We are also looking forward to the international community playing its part in reinforcing the efforts for the establishment of sustainable peace in Afghanistan and helping to create conditions inside Afghanistan to enable the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan to their homeland with dignity and honour.”

Earlier in the day, Afghan Taliban and United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have confirmed to hold successful dialogues leading to a peace deal for ending the decades-long war in Afghanistan.