Lieutenant General, Retired, Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Defense Analyst): The world has started endorsing Pakistan's stance regarding Afghan peace, which is a diplomatic victory of the country. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan would further help strengthen Afghan peace process. The regional powers can play a significant role to sustain durable peace in Afghanistan. Taliban have emerged as a new political power in Afghanistan. There are some peace spoilers, who do not want peace in Afghanistan. Taliban would hold a strong share in the Kabul government in future. Pakistan has always endorsed all the initiatives taken for regional peace and stability. Islamabad has a clear stance that negotiation is the ultimate solution to Afghan dispute.

Brigadier, Retired, Said Nazeer (Defense Analyst): It is a positive development that the Joe Biden administration has announced the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Complete withdrawal of US troops is the legitimate demand of the Taliban. The recent development from Washington DC is an important move towards Afghan peace process. The United States would continue its diplomatic and economic ties with Afghanistan. The US Administration has realized that active participation of regional countries is the ultimate solution to Afghan issue. Pakistan is an important stakeholder in pursuing the Afghan peace process. Islamabad believes that Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is the only solution to Afghan conflict. China and Russia have great responsibility towards maintaining political stability in Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan is in the best interest of the entire region. Pakistan has always facilitated Afghan peace process; however, it is not the sole responsibility of Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Ali (Vice Chancellor, Quaid-e-Azam University): In my view, the government has taken a remarkable step by launching Rehmatul-Lil Alameen scholarship for deserving students of Pakistan. This scholarship will benefit Muslim as well as Non-Muslim students alike. Under the programme, a total of three hundred and fifty thousand scholarships will be provided in five years at a cost of twenty eight billion rupees. This scholarship will help needy and deserving students getting the educational opportunity. It also includes slots for special persons, minorities and other categories on merit basis.