Pakistan supports US' initiatives of holding talks with Taliban: Mukhtar

Islamabad, Jan.31 (ANI): Supporting the United States over its proposal to hold talks with the Taliban for stabilising and establishing peace in war ravaged Afghanistan, Pakistan's Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has said Islamabad would always welcome such negotiations.

Interacting with media persons during a press conference, Mukhtar said peace was imperative in the region.

"We believe in the policy of development, diplomacy and defence because peace in Afghanistan would favour Pakistan. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has minimum strength now," The Dawn quoted Mukhtar, as saying.

It is worth mentioning here that some days ago reports were flashed in the media about UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide having secret peace talks with the Taliban leaders.

The Quetta Shura had reportedly sought a meeting with Eide, which took place in Dubai on January 8, reports said.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the London Conference on Afghanistan, earlier this week, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, signalled that the White House is ready to talk with the insurgents.

"The starting premise is you don't make peace with your friends. You have to be able to engage with your enemies," Clinton said. (ANI)