Pakistan urges US to help dialog instead of use of force in Afghanistan

The suggestion came during a recent visit of a US delegation headed by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia and Special Representatives for Pakistan and Afghanistan Alice Wells before the Trump administration finalizes its much-awaited strategy on Afghanistan.

An official statement issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry after the meeting between the US delegation and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua also indicated that Pakistan was seeking a 'comprehensive political strategy' for Afghanistan.

Islamabad hoped that such a strategy would not only bring peace in Afghanistan, but also in the region.

The US review is not confined to Afghanistan, as authorities in Washington are looking to evolve a plan for the South Asian region involving different countries.

Reports suggest that the White House is considering to send additional troops to Afghanistan. Trump is also upset with the current US commander leading the mission in Afghanistan and believed to have been seeking the removal of General John Nicolson for his failure to win the battle.

A senior official at the Foreign Office told media that Pakistan suggested the US administration that the use of force would not solve the problem in Afghanistan.

The official confirmed that Pakistan had given its input to the Trump administration for the Afghan review.

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