This is with reference to US and Kabuls peace efforts with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Recently, Afghan President said he had renewed overtures to the insurgents, confirming in a US television interview that his government had been holding talks with the Taliban for quite some time. Backed by Karzai, the High Peace Council intends to start a dialogue with the insurgents who have been trying to bring down his government since the US led invasion overthrew their regime in late 2001. The renewed Afghan efforts to make peace with the Taliban and end the nine-year war are indeed welcoming but it is also a fact that they would fail without Pakistans help. Pakistan has faced the brunt of US-led war on terror in Afghanistan and thus deserves to be made part of any effort by the coalition, which aims at restoring peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan has suffered the most - but what has it gained in return? Its losses in terms of men and material are far more than those of the US and NATO. Its economy is nose-diving and is now dependant entirely on foreign help. Foreign investment has stopped and capital outflow is on the rise. Inflation is sky-high and corruption is rampant. Relations with the neighbours are not as cordial and the trust deficit with the West is widening. Hence, it needs to be realized that Pakistans role in finding a peaceful solution to the problem is not only important but crucial. SYED AAYAN HUSSAIN, Islamabad, October 13.