The talks come at a time of heightened tension between Iran and the United States, notably over speculation about a possible Israeli attack against Iran's controversial nuclear programme.
It also comes with Afghanistan keen to start peace talks with Taliban insurgents. Kabul is reportedly concerned about being sidelined by contacts between the US and the Taliban.
"It is a two-day summit, to be held on February 16 and 17 in Islamabad," ministry spokesman Abdul Basit told reporters.
It will be attended by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he said.
"The trilateral summit is important for the leaders to get together and discuss important regional issues pertaining to counter-terrorism and organised crimes including drug trafficking," Basit said.
Despite strong US objections, Pakistan says it is pressing ahead with a multi-billion-dollar project to build a gas pipeline to import fuel from Iran.
"We are looking to complete the pipeline project by 2014 to meet our energy requirements. It is important for our economic growth," Basit said.
In the deal signed in 2010, Iran has agreed to supply natural gas to its eastern neighbour from 2014.
On Monday, US President Barack Obama unveiled new sanctions on Iran's central bank in an effort to force it to reverse course on its nuclear programme.
Asked about US sanctions, Basit said Pakistan opposed any new conflict in the region and called for dialogue.
Islamabad is moving towards a detente in its own relations with Washington, which took a drastic turn for the worse over last year's covert American raid that killed Osama bin Laden and air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
COMMENTS (27)
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This would be a great step forward. However, need of the hour is that the IED issue should be one of the central themes of this summit. Also, it is important that a mechanism, focusing on rehabilitation and return of the estranged segment of the society should be developed. This will also add to the improvement of the law and order situation of the country.
Even better: "Pakistan to host terrorism summit involving Afghanistan, Iran."
@US Centcom: Thats a bit rich comment considering US politicians openly calling (and aiding) the dismemberment of Pakistan. The US has done enough of promoting democracy in the region supporting dictators first in Iran and then in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Leave the region alone - let these nations and their peoples sort out their own problems - and cease using US soldiers to expand the empires of corporates!
Has anyone invited certain faction of Army to the table? Isn't their mere existence and activities this conference trying to counter.
@American Desi:
This is the best comment I have read so far about the counter-terrorism conference in Pakistan. Most of the states use terror to advance their political agenda. The most notable examples are USA, Israel,, Gulf staes India and of course Pakistan.
It's like Saudi Arabia hosting Women's Rights Conference. Absurd!
What you sow so you reap . The only solution of present mess lies in sincere elimination of Islamic jehadee from the entire land of Pakistan and declaire it a secular state .
@Pakistan News: How does anything to do with Pakistan harm anyone's economic strategies that they would find desirable? People can live without textiles and suicide bombers.
This is too funny. Has to be some sick joke that only PAK can appreicate
@Colonel: US is actually supporting and promoting terrorism,
So, please enlighten us as to Pakistan's role?? What exactly are Pakistanis doing about it ?? How do you define your Proxy semi legal outfits trained and equpped by certain elements of Pakistan's Army to cause mayham on innocent people in the neighbourhood! I suppose that is to be classed as Foreign Policy !!!!!!
Great. The focus must be on state terrorism by America, India, and Israel against innocent people who have a right to defend themselves from these state terrorists.
@Colonel: US is actually supporting and promoting terrorism, tell me Was the world more safer and peaceful before US invasions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya(In-directly) or now? US is actually promoting terrorism violence and hate by its actions and methods, go and listen to professor Noam Chomsky on youtube too
@US Centcom: Please leave us alone. We are perhaps the oldest civilisation in the world and know how to handle matters ourselves. Leave our lands, leave our people alone. Your presence here will only create hatred amongst the majority.
The people you came here to defeat are the ones you have started negotiating with. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives for a cause I have simply failed to comprehend.
Withdraw your forces, build schools, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure. Undo the damage and by God you will be loved.
Take care.
Truth is the friend of freedom. Journalism is the servant of truth. If Israel, or anybody else, does not want bad things to be reported about them, they should simply stop doing bad things. The evil here is on the part of Israel, not those who report the truth.
@US Centcom: US is actually supporting and promoting terrorism, tell me Was the world more safer and peaceful after US invasions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya(In-directly) or now? US is actually promoting terrorism violence and hate by its actions and methods, go and listen to professor Noam Chomsky on youtube too
Dear “Colonel”
There should not be any question about our stance on terrorism. The WOT has clearly demonstrated our commitment to this cause, and our continuing efforts to improve coordination between our regional partners proves our commitment to stabilizing the region. The U.S. has always encouraged its partner nations to leave no stone unturned when it comes to fighting terrorism. We call upon all nations committed to defeating terrorism to send a clear warning to those looking to infiltrate our lands with their acts of terror. This summit, devoted to counter-terrorism, signifies the importance of taking the threat of terrorism seriously in the region. Therefore, we fully support the idea of combating terrorism and encourage everyone’s participation.
@Indian: we are a part of team associated with an intellectual group
@Colonel: @Pakistan News: Why are you using different names to Justify your argument ?. Noone is going to buy your argument about US economic strategy....lol
Both Afghan and Iran will be asking Pakistan the same thing the American's have been asking for over ten years -- take control of your territory and quit allowing terrorist to use Pakistan as a de facto sanctuary.
Are they talking about countering terrorism or how to bypass the rest of the world's counter-terrorism efforts?
LOL!!!! This is like an Arsonist holding conferance on Fire Prevention !! Need one ask as to timing of this or any other recent activity ????
good strategy involving all three stake holders
@Colonel: Really??!!
Good luck,. Act sensibly and finish off the culprits,.
If Pak-Iran completes gas pipeline project, it will be a big blow to US economic strategies
Yes keep US out of this, we don't wanna sabotage the counter terrorism strategies