Afghan Peace Council Praises Pakistan Talks

Members of the Afghan High Peace Council at a recent press conference in Kabul

Afghanistan’s High Peace Council has welcomed news that a first round of peace talks has begun between Pakistan’s government and Pakistan’s Taliban.

Reports from Islamabad say the two sides gathered at an undisclosed location on February 6 for a preliminary meeting aimed at charting a “road map” for future discussions.

Afghan Peace Council spokesman Shahzada Shahed told RFE/RL that Afghanistan’s own Taliban militants should “learn a good lesson” from Pakistan’s Taliban.

He said Afghan Taliban militants should “have courage and show readiness for talks with the Afghan government and the Afghan High Peace Council.”

Pakistan’s Taliban have been battling since 2007 to topple the government in Islamabad and establish Islamic rule in Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s Taliban refuses to negotiate with officials from the government in Kabul. Afghan Taliban spokesman also deny reports that Taliban negotiators have joined secret talks in recent days with members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council.


With additional reporting by Reuters and AFP