Pakistan and Afghanistan are on course to break the ice in the relationship after the two sides agreed on a number of steps to ease simmering tensions between the two neighbours.
The breakthrough was achieved during the visit of Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, according to official sources familiar with the development.
Sadiq wrapped up his three-day visit to Kabul on Sunday after holding a series of meetings in the Afghan capital.
His meetings with the Afghan foreign and trade ministers were only made public but other engagements were kept under wraps.
A source familiar with the closed-door discussions said the visit was ice-breaking, adding that there were hopes of thaw in the relationship after many months.
The source told The Express Tribune that both sides agreed to establish a mechanism where regular interaction would take place not just at the official but also at the highest levels.
"Before the visit there was talk of complete breakdown in the relationship but it is no longer the case," the source said.
According to the source, more visits including at the Ministerial level exchanges are being planned.
Another source pointed out that the Afghan Taliban leaders gave a very warm welcome to the Pakistani envoy. Kabul was desperately waiting for the re-engagement with Pakistan as the government there was worried about the negative fallout of strained ties.
At the heart of the troubled ties is the issue of terrorist sanctuaries of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates. The source said the issue was on top of the agenda during Ambassador Sadiq's meetings with Afghan officials.
The source revealed that the Afghan Taliban government was also concerned about the activities of TTP and sought time and Pakistan's cooperation to tackle the problem.
The Taliban government expressed its inability to control the group or at least their movement close to the border. The Pakistani side was told that if Pakistan with huge army and all the resources can't stop TTP infiltration how could Kabul do the same.
However, Pakistan was not convinced with their explanation and told the Afghan Taliban that they could do much more or at least stop Afghan nationals joining the TTP.
Despite divergent views on certain issues, talks were held in a cordial and positive atmosphere, according to the source.
The two sides expect a positive momentum barring any major incident that may derail the process.
There was discussion between the two sides to separate political and other issues from trade and economic cooperation.
The recent closure of key border crossing at Torkham for 26 days affected traders from both sides.
Meanwhile, taking part in Pakistan Day celebrations at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul, Ambassador Sadia said Pakistan and Afghanistan's economic interests were intrinsically interlinked.
"Peace and progress in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability. Pakistan and Afghanistan must synergize their efforts to foster regional economic development. Afghanistan remains one of the most important regional partners of Pakistan," he remarked.
He said both countries must work together to enhance bilateral trade and galvanise regional connectivity.
"Pakistan remains committed to a strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with Afghanistan," he further said.
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