Top Afghan security adviser to visit Pakistan for talks on Taliban

The visit comes amid allegations that Pakistan was sending troops in plain clothes to attack security forces across the border

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Rangin Dadfar Spanta will visit Pakistan today for talks on deepening security cooperation between the two countries in the wake of a massive military operation to cleanse North Waziristan tribal region of militants.

Spanta's scheduled visit to Islamabad comes amid allegations by Afghan Defence Minister Bismallah Mohammadi that Pakistan was sending troops in plain clothes to attack security forces across the border in Kunar.

In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Office said Spanta will be accompanied by senior officials of Afghan Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, National Directorate of Security (NDS) and National Security Council.

Spanta will call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He will also hold delegation-level talks with Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, which will be attended by senior security officials from both sides.

FO said the discussions will focus on ensuring deeper bilateral security cooperation. In this regard, the two sides will discuss ways of strengthening regular contact between the security authorities of the two countries.

"Pakistan is committed to building a close, cooperative relationship with Afghanistan, based on mutual understanding and trust. The visit would help advance Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's vision of peace and development in the region," it said.

The tour was agreed last week during visit of influential tribal chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai to Kabul as special envoy of Prime Minister Sharif.

Pakistan has asked Kabul to cooperate in stopping Taliban fleeing operation in North Waziristan.

Pakistan has launched a massive military operation in the North Waziristan region, a stronghold of the Taliban and foreign militants.