UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter flys over a village in the Parwan Province of AfghanistanFrom Dawn Internet:
ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: The Pakistan-Afghan mini-jirga, which begins here on Monday, will thrash out modalities for engaging the Taliban and other warring factions in talks to end the seven-year-old bloody conflict.
The mini jirga, a Track-II initiative, comprising notables from both sides of the Durand Line, has been billed as the biggest confidence-building measure since last year’s peace jirga which remained ‘intensely divided’ over dealing with terrorism.
The 25-member jirga will discuss ways to enhance cooperation among tribal elders for peace in both sides of the border.
NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani will lead the Pakistani side which includes former minister G.G. Jamal, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, Afrasayab Khattak, Maulana Mohammad Khan Sheerani and Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir.
The Afghan side, to be led by former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, comprises members of the Afghanistan National Assembly (Wulasi Jirga) and the Senate (Masharanu Jirga).
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