Islamabad: One-on-One talks between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Hamid Karzai are underway in Islamabad, Zee Info News reported.
This will be followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides. The two leaders are said to be discussing bilateral relations‚ the Afghan reconciliation process‚ the regional situation‚ terrorism‚ and post foreign troops’ withdrawal.
Earlier upon arrival at the PM House‚ the Afghan President was received by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented a guard of honor to the visiting dignitary. On the occasion‚ anthems of the two countries were also played.
A large delegation including defense and foreign ministers and the head of the Afghan high peace council accompanying the Afghan president arrived at an air force base near Islamabad shortly before 10:00 am (0500 GMT) where the Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz received him. A smartly turned out Pak army contingent presented 21-gun salute to the Afghan president and children attired in tradition dress presented him bouquet.
It is Karzai's first visit to Islamabad in 18 months and signals a desire by both countries to overcome distrust and hostility as 87,000 NATO combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan next year.
Afghan government peace negotiators, who will accompany Karzai, have called for the release of the most senior Taliban figure detained in Pakistan, former deputy leader Abdul Ghani Baradar.
