WASHINGTON – The United Stated has asked Pakistan to help inAfghan-Taliban peace talks and assistance in peace process in Afghanistan.

In his statement, Deputy Assistant to the US president and Senior Directorfor South and Central Asia at the National Security Council, Lisa Curtissaid she said that the US has also sought to understand Islamabad’s coresecurity concerns.

White House official said that regional engagement is central to America’sefforts in Afghanistan. “We have asked for Pakistan’s assistance infacilitating a peace process and we have sought to understand Pakistan’sown core security concerns and ensure that its interests are taken intoaccount in any peace process,” she said while speaking at the US Instituteof Peace.

Curtis also made it clear that Washington’s latest attempt at seekingPakistan’s support for Afghan peace talks times with Afghan PresidentAshraf Ghani’s offer of ceasefire to the Afghan Taliban during Eidul Fitrholidays that follow the conclusion of Ramzan, Islam’s holy month offasting.

On the other hand, the Taliban spokesperson said that they are consultingregarding this offer by the Afghan government.

Earlier this week, US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State MikePompeo made calls to Pakistan’s leaders, including interim prime ministerand Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, breaking months of stalemate inbilateral relations.