Afghan government, Taliban to meet in a week: Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's key advisor Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said that the Afghanistan government and Taliban negotiators are likely to meet in a week''s time.

Sharif's advisor on foreign affairs and national security said that a major breakthrough in the process is expected within three months, reports Khaama press.

Aziz said at the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee that Pakistan earlier facilitated a meeting between Afghan High Peace Council's secretary Masoom Stanekzai and Taliban representatives in the Chinese city of Urumqi.

Aziz did not disclose the location of this meeting but according to sources it could be more likely in China, Norway, United Arab Emirates and Qatar since most of the previous meetings have taken place in these countries.

He also said that another meeting has been planned later this month.

Aziz''s statement comes amid a sharp raise in Taliban attacks in the country and Taliban-led attack on the Afghan Parliament House on Monday in Kabul.