Reports from Islamabad say the first round of peace talks between the Pakistani government and insurgents from the Pakistani Taliban have begun at an undisclosed location in the capital.
News agencies quote sources as saying that the two sides gathered for a preliminary meeting, which is expected to chart a "road map" for future discussions.
Pakistani Taliban insurgents have been battling since 2007 to topple the government in Islamabad and establish Islamic rule.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif defied expectations and said last week that he believes the moment is now right to find a negotiated settlement.
Sharif said he was making a "sincere effort to end the cruel game of fire and gunpowder in the country."
More than 100 people were killed in attacks attributed to the Pakistani Taliban in January.
News agencies quote sources as saying that the two sides gathered for a preliminary meeting, which is expected to chart a "road map" for future discussions.
Pakistani Taliban insurgents have been battling since 2007 to topple the government in Islamabad and establish Islamic rule.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif defied expectations and said last week that he believes the moment is now right to find a negotiated settlement.
Sharif said he was making a "sincere effort to end the cruel game of fire and gunpowder in the country."
More than 100 people were killed in attacks attributed to the Pakistani Taliban in January.