‘Karzai to visit Pakistan late in August’

Afghanistanâ„¢s ambassador to Islamabad has announced that President Hamid Karzai is expected to visit Pakistan late in August regarding Afghan peace process with the Taliban, Press TV reports.

Afghan ambassador Omer Daudzai said Monday that the president would start his three-day trip to Pakistan, along with the leadership of the High Peace Council from August 26-28.

This will be Karzaiâ„¢s first visit to Pakistan, since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was elected.

According to the officials, Pakistanâ„¢s critical role in resuscitating Afghan peace process would be high on karzaiâ„¢s agenda during his visit. The Afghan president also was quoted as having sought Å“practical and sincere cooperation in fighting terrorism,” with Islamabad.

The announcement came a day after Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Kabul is ready to hold peace talks with representatives of the Taliban in either Saudi Arabia or Turkey.

Earlier the president had called off peace talks with the Taliban, scheduled in June, after Karzai was angered over the flag the Taliban displayed at their compound in the Qatari capital Doha. The white flag bore a sign identifying the movement as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

However, the Qatari government removed the sign and flag on the request of Afghan President, with the Taliban temporarily closing recently-opened office following the dispute over the flag on July 9.

On August 8, Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeated his call for Taliban to give up militant activities and join the Kabul government-led peace process in Afghanistan.

He said the militant group was pursuing the interests of foreigners in the war-torn country.

AZA/MM/HN