A number of political and jihadi figures said Thursday at an event on the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process that both peace and war have reached a deadlock in the country.

They accused both government and the Taliban of not having a clear policy to embrace peace and overcome current challenges in the country.
 
“Peace comes with patience. Peace will not come with excuses like government is not Islamic, foreign forces are here and Islam is in danger,” said Mohammad Umer Daudzai, member of the Council for Protection and Stability in Afghanistan.
 
At the same event, head of Hizb-e-Islami peace delegation Mohammad Amin Karim called on the Taliban to quit violence and pursue their goals through politics.
 
“The time for an [Islamic] emirate has gone. The Taliban’s excuses for gaining power are not acceptable for us,” Karim said.
 
Members of the Peace and Rescue Council of Afghanistan, the organizers of the event, called on warring parties to end their insurgency and join the peace process in the country.
 
“We should put aside hatred and connect with each other from the heart and step towards development,” said Gul Rahman Qazi, head of the council.
 
Delegates at the event said the only way out of the current crisis in the country is to start negotiations with armed opposition groups.