Sharif chairs high-level meet ahead of Afghanistan visit

Prior to an important Afghanistan visit, Pakistan Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting here on Monday to discuss the dimensions related to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Sharif, accompanied by his army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, will be going on a two-day visit to Afghanistan on Tuesday following an invitation from President Ashraf Ghani.

"This will be Sharif's second visit to Afghanistan and the first after the installation of the National Unity Government in Kabul. Earlier, the prime minister visited Afghanistan on November 30, 2013," Dawn reported citing newly-appointed foreign office spokesperson Qazi Khaliullah.

Pakistan's foreign minister Chaudhry Nisar, army chief Raheel Sharif and its spy master Lt Gen Zaheer-ul-Islam have all visited Kabul recently carrying what were described as messages of support and cooperation. The Pakistan Army offered to help train Afghan soldiers and provide equipment for an entire infantry brigade.

It is believed that if the two neighbours were to bury the hatchet, the chances of increased stability in the region would increase dramatically.

It is thought that Pakistan -- if it wished -- could push the Taliban towards a peace process that the international community has struggled towards for years.

Those attending Monday's meeting reiterated the need to consolidate and further improve bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The meeting was attended by Gen. Raheel Sharif, along with other top federal ministers of the country.