Pakistan and Afghanistan have established a hotline between their respective military commanders in an attempt to reduce bilateral tensions and prevent cross-border clashes.
Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa, Pakistan's army spokesman, announced on Wednesday that the hotline has been established between the senior military commanders of neighbors.
"Hotline established between DGMOs (Director Generals of military operations) of both countries. First contact/call just made," Bajwa said in his Twitter account.
The direct line between the commanders of the two countries was agreed during a visit to the Afghan capital Kabul Sunday by the Pakistani army chief General Raheel Sharif.
In early December, senior Afghan and Pakistani officials agreed during a meeting in Islamabad to stop accusing each other over Taliban-led violence that has been plaguing both countries.
The Afghan government has also expressed readiness to attend Pakistan-brokered talks with militant groups willing to renounce violence and lay down arms.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has recently pushed to strengthen ties with Pakistan -- Taliban's historic backers.
Pakistan hosted a first round of peace talks between Taliban and Afghan leaders back in July. The talks stalled after the militants belatedly announced the death of their longtime leader Mullah Omar.
There have also been growing differences among Taliban elements over peace talks with the Afghan government, with some vowing to fight for power instead of taking part in negotiations.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been tense in recent years over the ongoing militancy. Senior Afghan officials had frequently blamed elements inside the Pakistani spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), for supporting the Taliban militants, while Islamabad blames the Afghan government for giving shelter to the militants on its side of the border.
