Pakistan active for resumption of Taliban-Opposition talks

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Pakistan is trying to bring Afghan warring factions to negotiation table and the issue will be discuss with Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Wakil Ahmed Mutawakel who arrives in Islamabad on Sunday (January 23) on three-day visit, official and diplomatic sources said Saturday.

"Agenda for the talks will be open," the sources told NNI. But insisted that Pakistan will try for resumption of peace talks between Afghanistan ruling Taliban and the opposition Northern Alliance.

It would be Afghan Foreign Ministers first visit to Pakistan since the October last years political changes in Pakistan. Mutawakel will meet his Pakistani counterpart Abdul Sattar and other senior officials to host of issues.

Afghan Foreign Minister visit to Pakistan will mark intensification of diplomatic efforts for the peaceful solution of the long-standing Afghan conflict, official sources said. Pakistan Chief Executive General Pervez Musharrafs quest for the establishment of a representative government and his initiative to jointly work with Iran for restoration of peace in the war-shattered country evoked appreciation.

The US Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth yesterday welcomed General Musharrafs plan to engage the neighbouring Iran in peace efforts and said Washington has been encouraged by Pakistan Chief Executive statement for the establishment of a representative government in Afghanistan.

An Iranian delegation is currently in Afghanistan and has reportedly held talks with Taliban officials. Sources say a meeting between Mutawakil and Iranian officials is likely to be held in Islamabad.

The Afghan Foreign Minister will also discuss with Pakistani authorities the proposed visit of the head of Taliban ruling council Mulla Mohammad Rabbani to Pakistan.

Pakistan and Afghanistan ruling Taliban have several issues to discuss and settle them down that also include the issue of terrorism. The ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had accused Taliban of allowing Pakistani students of religious madrassas to get training in camps in their controlled areas. Taliban had denied existence of terrorist training camps on Afghan soil.

Controversy over Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA) is another major issue for talks. Taliban are under pressure from Afghan traders to resolve the long-standing dispute with Pakistan over the transit trade.

Taliban and Pakistani officials have held series of talks on various issues and agreed to resolve their differences, however, a number of issues are yet to be resolved.