Islamabad, Sept 9, IRNA — Pakistan says it is closely watchingcancellation of talks between the US and Taliban reiterating its stancethat there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan will continue to monitor the developments. Pakistan reiteratesits principled policy stance that there is no military solution to theconflict in Afghanistan and urges that both sides must re-engage to findnegotiated peace from the ongoing political settlement process,” astatement issued by the Foreign Ministry said.

It said Pakistan has always condemned violence and called on all sides forrestraint and commitment to pursue the process.

“Pakistan has been facilitating the peace and reconciliation process ingood faith and as a shared responsibility, and has encouraged all sides toremain engaged with sincerity and patience,” said the statement.

It added Pakistan looks for optimised engagement following earliestresumption of talks.

Experts say the sudden move by the US President Donald Trump to pull out ofthe talks with the Taliban will not only jeopardize the prospects of peacein Afghanistan, but also throw a new challenge for Pakistan at a time whenits hands are already full dealing with other foreign policy issues.

They say Islamabad is now worried over the sudden breakdown in talksbecause it fears that the new situation may put more pressure on Pakistanto do more to convince the Taliban for a ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo however has indicated that peace talksmay restart provided the Taliban met certain conditions.