Afghanistan has previously accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye to Afghan Taliban commanders on its soil and even of supporting the militant group it is fighting, which Islamabad denies. A month ago, Pakistan assured Khalilzad that it would back a negotiated settlement with the Taliban to end the long war in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump has personally asked for Islamabad's help in advancing the Afghan peace process. Regional powers such as China have also pledged to help Afghanistan and Pakistan overcome their longstanding suspicions about each other. Ghani also questioned the religious legitimacy of the Taliban, who have repeatedly refused to hold direct peace talks with the Afghan government.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 31, 2019 14:37 UTC