ISLAMABAD - Pakist5an has taken a major diplomatic initiative aimed at preventing the further security deterioration of Afghanistan, and to push forward peace and reconciliation, through hosting of the Afghan peace conference in Islamabad from July 17 to 19.
"The key purpose of the conference is to develop consensus among major Afghan political leaders and former warlords on the future political and security roadmap of Afghanistan", a top diplomatic source confided to The Nation.
However, the Taliban political office was not invited to the conference. "Afghan Taliban are not being invited, as Pakistan had invited Taliban in the past and discussed with them peace", Foreign Office spokesman said.
Pakistan's major diplomatic and political initiative for peace in Afghanistan came after the Taliban made rapid military advancement across Afghanistan.
Credible sources told The Nation that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani would be represented in the conference through Afghan special presidential envoy for Pakistan Mohammed Umer Daudzai.
The sources confirmed that Chairman Afghan Peace Council Abdullah Abdullah would be attending the conference along with many senior leaders including former finance minister Omar Zakhilwal.
Prime Minister Imran Khan would open the conference on 18th by making his policy statement on Pakistan's vision for peace in Afghanistan. According to the sources, former Afghan Jehadi leader and chief of Hizeb-i-Islami Gulbadain Hikmatyar has also been invited and his participation is confirmed.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who is still considered influential, former foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani, former finance minister Omar Zakhilwal have also been invited.
Hazara minority community in Afghanistan would also be represented in the conference through their leader Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq.
Late Ahmed Shah Masood's younger brother Ahmad Wali Masoud would also be attending the conference. According to the format of the conference, different leaders would be invited to speak in different sessions about their vision of peace and political stability in Afghanistan.
The sources confirmed that there would be no foreign representatives of any other country in the conference, including China, Russia, United states, Qatar and Iran.
The sources said at the end of the conference Islamabad declaration is also expected with the signature of all participants.
Some of the prominent leaders are also expected to separately meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The diplomatic sources say if Pakistan succeeded in successfully holding this Afghan peace conference then this would be considered a major breakthrough on Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
