Afghanistan expects Pak to deliver on 'facilitating peace process' promise: Envoy

Islamabad, Feb 16(ANI): Afghanistan's Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammad Omar Daudzai has said his country expects Pakistan to deliver on its promise to facilitate Afghan reconciliation process.

Yes, we are hopeful and want Pakistan to give a more clear answer to our expectations. President Hamid Karzai will expect Pakistan to facilitate contacts and dialogue with Taliban," The Express Tribune quoted Daudzai, as saying.

Daudzai was referring to Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar's promise in her recent visit to Kabul that Islamabad will do whatever it can to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.

Daudzai claimed that Karzai would also call for 'independent relationship' with Pakistan in his bilateral talks with Pakistani leaders.

"President Karazi has stated on several occasions that he wants an independent relationship with Pakistan," Daudzai said.

President Karzai will also represent Afghanistan in a trilateral summit with his Pakistani and Iranian counterparts, the ambassador said.

Karzai is also seeking the support of Pakistan's politico-religious leadership, officials said.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam cheif Maulana Samiul Haq confirmed that the Afghan embassy had been in contact with him to arrange a meeting between him and Karzai.

"They (embassy officials) told me that President Karzai wants a one-on-one meeting with me," Haq said. (ANI)