In this file photo, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani shakes hands with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: As the second round of talks was postponed due to the news of Taliban Supremo Mullah Omar’s death, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday discussed initiating another round of talks between Afghan Taliban and the government in Kabul.
According to the PM House, Afghan president telephoned the prime minister late on Sunday.
Both the leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest, as well as the regional situation in their conversation that lasted for about 10 minutes, the statement said, adding the reconciliation process in Afghanistan with Taliban also came under discussion.
Nawaz also expressed sorrow over recent blasts in Afghanistan, and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives.
Read: ‘Murree talks only credible way to peace’
However, according to sources, both the leaders agreed to start the next round of Afghan peace talks soon.
While the premier appreciated Ghani's attitude towards Pakistan during the ongoing attacks in Afghanistan, both the leaders agreed to continue the peace process, added the sources.
On Saturday, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Janan Mosazai had called on JUI-S leader Maulana Samiul Haq and requested him to raise his voice for the dialogue process between Kabul and the Afghan Taliban.
The Taliban are struggling to overcome internal rifts following the election of their new leader. However, they have not completely rejected the political option even as armed resistance continues simultaneously.
Read: Afghan envoy requests Samiul Haq to support peace process with Taliban
Pakistan had recently hosted the first-ever direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives in Murree as part of its efforts to put an end to over a decade-old conflict in the war-torn country.
However, the second round of talks scheduled for July 31 in Pakistan, was postponed at the request of the Afghan government and the Taliban leadership.
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