‘Taliban leadership gives nod to peace talks with Afghan govt’

The top leadership of Afghan Taliban has given an approval to begin a brand new round of peace negotiations with the Afghanistan government, sources told BBC on Sunday.

The report surfaced days after Pakistani officials reportedly contacted Afghan Taliban suggesting them to engage in peace talks with the government.

Afghan Taliban leadership, however, has not officially confirmed the initiation of stalled peace process.

Meanwhile, a delegation headed by Taliban representative in Qatar Qari Din Mohammad is likely to visit Pakistan soon.

According to sources, Qari Din had visited Islamabad a few days ago as well and returned to Doha after important consultations.

Key Taliban leader Abbas Stanekzai is also likely to accompany Qari Din during the trip.

A Pakistan Army spokesman had said after reports of these developments last week that Pakistan supports ‘absolutely transparent, Afghan owned and Afghan led’ peace process.

Afghan Taliban’s central spokesman had, however, denied the reports.