Afghanistan Peace CampaignWest said that the US stands with Pakistan against terrorism in the region.
The US special envoy for Afghanistan Thomas West on X provided details of his meetings with Pakistani officials during a visit to the country, saying that important conversations happened about grave security challenges posed by “TTP” as well as the “imperative to protect Afghan refugees.”
West said that the US stands with Pakistan against terrorism in the region.
“Departing Islamabad after a productive two-day visit. Important conversations with Jail Abbas Jilani, [Pakistan Foreign Minister], Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Asif Durrani, Pakistan special envoy for Afghanistan … about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees,” he said.
West wrote that close communication with Islamabad regarding the “refugee protection issues, including collaboration with IOs and humane and dignified treatment” took place.
Spent valuable time with the leadership of UNHCR and IOM in Islamabad, discussing their support for the most vulnerable and at-risk Afghans. Proud that the US has contributed $77M to UNHCR this year for these efforts, and $9M to IOM to respond to recent earthquakes.
Also met courageous Afghan refugees to hear about their lives first-hand. Admire their courage under wrenching circumstances. We call for their protection and thank UNHCR, IOM, and other partners for their efforts.
But the Islamic Emirate said that the negotiations between the US and Pakistani officials are not helpful for the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan.
“The deportation of the refugees was illegal as it happened suddenly. But we are prepared if they are deported to serve them. Whatever the US can do or not do, I don’t think it can do anything. They will come and talk and return. We don’t hope for any practical change,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman.
Some political analysts also believe that the meetings of the US special envoy for Afghanistan with Pakistani officials is not in the interest of Afghanistan.
“The meetings between Thomas West and the Pakistan Foreign Minister and other officials, focused on the refugees particularly the refugees who have asylum cases in the US. But of course the issue of TTP [Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan], was also discussed between them,” said Saleem Paigeer, a political analyst.
“This visit of Thomas West is based on his duty line. It will not bring any change regarding Afghanistan,” said Asadullah Nadim, political analyst.
The US special envoy earlier said that he had kicked off traveling to Pakistan, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on December 5-15.