U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on November 2. In a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other security officials, Ambassador Khalilzad provided an update on the current state of the peace process. They discussed the overwhelming consensus in the international community that all sides must reduce violence leading to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.

Ambassador Khalilzad and General Bajwa discussed how best a reduction in violence can be brought to bear with Pakistan’s assistance.

Ambassador Khalilzad and General Bajwa also discussed steps international supporters can take to encourage the two Afghan sides negotiating a political settlement to accelerate their negotiations and make substantive progress.