Afghanistan, Pakistan To Launch ‘Coordinated Operations’

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan and Afghanistan are due to launch "coordinated operations" against militants along the joint border.

He made the comments at a joint news conference with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on May 12.

Sharif is leading a delegation that includes his national security adviser Sartaj Aziz, army chief Raheel Sharif, and the director of Pakistan's intelligence agency, Rizwan Akhtar.

Regarding talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban, Sharif said: "We are committed to the Afghan-led peace program and Pakistan ensures Afghanistan of any cooperation."

The Taliban has agreed to talk to the Afghan government but has made several demands, including the withdrawal of all remaining U.S. troops.

Sharif also said, "Any efforts made by anyone to destabilize Afghanistan will face a strong response from us."

Based on reporting by dpa and AP