Islamabad: Pakistan's foreign minister says her country would push the Taliban and their allies to make peace if asked to do so by the Afghan government.
Thursday's comments by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar are significant because Pakistan is seen as a key player in the reconciliation process given its historical ties to the Taliban. Many Taliban leaders are also believed to be based in Pakistan.
When asked in an interview whether Pakistan would push the militants to make peace, Khar said Pakistan is "willing to do whatever the Afghans expect or want us to do”.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said Pakistan holds the only key to making peace with the Taliban and must do more to support a political solution to the war.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 16:06