Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on cooperative committee for Afghan peace. A 15-member Afghan High Peace Council, led by Chairman and former President Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, convened this past week with top Pakistani leaders in a meeting chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Following extensive talks, the two parties concluded on Saturday, January 8 that they would form a Joint Consultative Commission to create peace in Afghanistan. As part of this endeavor, they also agreed to revive the jirga, or assembly of tribal elders, as a way to further encourage the peace process.

Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani expressed his optimism over the decision on both sides that it is time to work together toward harmony throughout the region. He also paid tribute to the diplomatic efforts of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the delegation led by Afghan Professor Rabbani, saying that he hoped for more frequent contact in the future to further enhance relations. Afghan Professor Rabbani meanwhile offered heartfelt thanks to Pakistan for her consistent support of reconstruction in his country.

Your Excellencies of Pakistan and Afghanistan, we laud your amicable meeting and advancements toward peace. May this brotherly collaboration between your nations lead to evermore harmony, stability and prosperity for all your gracious fellow citizens.

http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126864&Itemid=1, http://centralasiaonline.com/cocoon/caii/xhtml/en_GB/features/caii/features/main/2011/01/06/feature-03, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jirga
http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=3181&Cat=13&dt=1/8/2011