–Taliban agree to hold talks with Afghan govt after ceasefire agreement becomes effective–Pakistan Army says it has done its job, hopes for improved ties with USKABUL: Weeks long efforts of the United States and allies paid off on Saturday when Afghan Taliban negotiators and the United States officials meeting in Qatar finalised clauses to be included in a draft agreement to end the 17-year-old Afghan war. According to details provided by Taliban sources, the draft includes apparent concessions from both sides, with foreign forces to be withdrawn from the country in 18 months from the future signing of the deal. According to sources, Taliban offered assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies – a key early demand of Washington. They, however, hinted at holding talks with the Afghan government in a post-ceasefire scenario, reported Tolo News quoting sources. Now he will be heading to Afghan capital Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani after the end of the six-day talks, the sources and a diplomat said.

Source: Pakistan Today January 26, 2019 14:51 UTC