Trump writes to Imran Khan; seeks help in bringing Taliban to negotiating table

The move comes weeks after Trump lambasted Pakistan for not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Imran Khan. Photo: Facebook

New Delhi: Amid plunging ties between US and Pakistan, American President Trump has written a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking the country’s support in bringing Taliban to the table to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan. The initiation comes at US’ end weeks after Trump lambasted Pakistan for not doing a damn thing for the United States alleging that Islamabad hid the information of terrorist Osama Bin Laden’s presence near its garrison city of Abbottabad. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Trump, in his letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan, has stated that his most important regional priority was achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war. In this regard, he has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation. “President Trump has also acknowledged that the war had cost both USA and Pakistan. He has emphasized that Pakistan and USA should explore opportunities to work together and renew partnership,” the statement read. Pakistan has welcomed the decision by US saying it is committed to play a facilitation role in good faith. “Since Pakistan has always advocated a political settlement to end war in Afghanistan, US decision is welcomed. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to play a facilitation role in good faith. Peace and stability in Afghanistan remains a shared responsibility”, the statement said. Last month Trump had defended the suspension of USD 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil. He said Pakistan had never done anything for the US.