PM Nawaz Sharif, army chief discuss security situation

The meeting comes a day after a conference of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in Rawalpindi

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday discussed the overall security situation against the backdrop of all political parties endorsing the government's plans for talks with the Taliban.

A resolution passed by an All Party Conference, which gave a green signal for holding talks with the Taliban and other militant groups, is believed to have figured in their discussions.

The meeting came a day after a conference of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in Rawalpindi that was attended by Pakistan's top military commanders.

The focus of the security establishment is currently on tackling terrorism and the alarming law and order situation in Karachi, the country's largest city.

At the All Party Conference on Monday, political leaders strongly backed the government's initiative to hold talks with the Taliban and other militant groups.

There has been speculation whether the army, which has been waging a war with terrorists, was on board with the political establishment's decision.

However, chief military spokesman Maj Gen Asim Bajwa said: "When it comes to national security, every stakeholder is on the same page.