Sir: Talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban have started, indicating a fresh start to the reconciliation process of the war-torn country. Afghanistan has been suffering from war and crises for more than four decades now; it is high time that the war in the country comes to an end and gives way to the reconstruction and development of the ravaged state. Officials from Pakistan, the US and China are also participating in the talks, which shows the commitment of the international community to resolving the crisis. On the other hand, the Taliban have also agreed to end the crisis owing largely to the presence of the much more violent Islamic State (IS) that is trying to establish its footing in Afghanistan. Pakistan has great stakes in the process as peace in Pakistan largely depends on peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan should continue bilateral relations with the government of President Ashraf Ghani. The region should be purged of all terrorist activities and only dialogue can achieve that.HAFSA KHALEDVia Email