Zardari visits Afghanistan to boost bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari today left for Afghanistan with a delegation to help improve ties between the two countries.

During his two-day visit, he is expected to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, chief executive officer Abdullah Abdullah, chief of Afghan army and other top officials.

Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) senior leader and ex-ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, accompanied the former president.

His visit comes after recent improvement in ties between the two countries.

Pakistan has offered to help Kabul to kick-start a peace process with the Taliban in return of a crackdown on militants hiding inside Afghanistan and targeting Pakistan.

Recently, Afghan official and the Taliban met in Qatar reportedly exchanged views for peace in their country.

It is believed that Pakistan has some influence over the rebels and it has been encouraging them to shun violence and find a negotiated settlement of their issues.