US, Pak urge resumption of Afghan Government-Taliban talks

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and U.S. President Barack Obama have expressed their commitment to push forward talks between the Afghanistan Government and the Afghan Taliban.

Both leaders also called upon Taliban leaders to join talks with the Kabul regime to work for sustainable peace settlement, reports the Dawn.

Appreciating Islamabad's efforts for facilitating the first talks between the Kabul regime and the Taliban in July, President Obama highlighted Pakistan's willingness to support such talks to end insurgency in Afghanistan.

Sharif has also assured that Pakistan's territory 'will not be used against any other country'

This is an obligation of all countries in the region, he stated.

He also outlined actions taken by Pakistan under the National Action Plan to ensure that the Taliban is prevented from operating in and from Pakistan.

President Obama also expressed his concerns over Americans being held hostage by terrorists in the region.

Prime Minister Sharif also assured assistance in ensuring the safe return of all foreign hostages, including Americans.