Representatives from the Afghan government have met with a top-ranking Taliban member in his prison cell in Pakistan, an official said, suggesting a small step toward re-opening stalled peace talks with the insurgent group.

Afghan government representatives have met with a top-ranking Taliban member in his prison cell in Pakistan, an official said, suggesting a small step toward reopening stalled peace talks with the insurgent group.

Afghanistan’s president has appealed for Pakistan’s help in negotiating a peace deal with Taliban militants before a summit today that will also include Iran’s leader.