KABUL - The High Peace Council (HPC) on Wednesday claimed matters related to the panel were being tackled by the president personally and it was being kept unaware about fresh developments.

Maulvi Abdul Hakim Mujahid, deputy chairman of HPC, told Pajhwok Afghan News the council had not played any role in convincing the Taliban to sit across the negotiating table with government representatives.

President Ashraf Ghani himself was in charge of the initiative that reportedly involved Pakistan and some other Muslim countries, the official added.

He said the president had decided to reshuffle the peace council, which had its reservations and suggestions regarding stability in the country. The views have been shared with the president.

Abdul Hakim did not have concrete information about plans for talks with the insurgents, but he hinted Ghani knew what was going on.

Earlier, the presidential palace had said the nation would be informed about major developments in talks with the armed opponents.

On the other hand, presidential spokesman Ajmal Abid said: “We have not yet started talks with the Taliban and the president would not hide any issue of national importance from any government institution.”

He informed the president would definitely take political parties, civil society organisations and Jihadi leaders in confidence on any fresh development in peace process.

Abid added the role of HPC was clear. “So far we haven’t launched formal talks with the rebels and hence we haven’t contacted members of the peace council.” (Pajhwok)