Pakistan wants 'responsible withdrawal' of US troops from Afghanistan: FM Qureshi.

DOHA -- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday said Pakistan wants a 'responsible withdrawal' of US troops from Afghanistan after the historic peace deal between the US and Afghan-Taliban is signed.

'We want a responsible withdrawal,' Qureshi told in Qatar's capital of Doha, when asked about the timeframe for American forces' departure. 'It's an important day. Hopefully, it will set the tone for peace and stability in Afghanistan.'

FM further said that the pact could bring an end to the United States' 18-year war in Afghanistan. The country [Afghanistan] would need the world's support in rehabilitation and recuperation, added.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad called upon FM Qureshi to update him about the peace deal.

'Pakistan hopes for intra-Afghan dialogue,' FM Qureshi said. 'Pakistan would continue its efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.'

Saturday is a 'monumental day for Afghanistan', the United States embassy in Kabul said on Twitter, just hours before the signing of a pact with Taliban that could bring an end to the 18-year war in the South Asian nation.

The embassy officials added: 'It is about making peace and crafting a common brighter future. We stand with Afghanistan.'

Once the deal is signed Afghanistan, which has been at war since American bombings began in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, stands to see an end to the violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The peace deal is likely to be signed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the co-founder of the Taliban movement and a top US official.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will attend the signing of US-Taliban troop withdrawal pact.

FM Qureshi would represent Pakistan in the historic peace deal signing ceremony.

Ahead of the ceremony, Qureshi told an audience at Pakistan's Embassy in Doha that the US-Taliban deal is a vindication of Islamabad's stance that...