ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: The Pakistan-Afghan mini-jirga, which begins here on Monday, will thrash out modalities for engaging the Taliban and other warring factions in talks to end the seven-year-old bloody conflict.

The mini jirga, a Track-II initiative, comprising notables from both sides of the Durand Line, has been billed as the biggest confidence-building measure since last year’s peace jirga which remained ‘intensely divided’ over dealing with terrorism.

The 25-member jirga will discuss ways to enhance cooperation among tribal elders for peace in both sides of the border.

NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani will lead the Pakistani side which includes former minister G.G. Jamal, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, Afrasayab Khattak, Maulana Mohammad Khan Sheerani and Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasir.

The Afghan side, to be led by former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, comprises members of the Afghanistan National Assembly (Wulasi Jirga) and the Senate (Masharanu Jirga).

Political analysts say the involvement of leading political figures from the two sides adds to the hopes for a successful outcome of the talks. But they also point to the absence of ‘real stakeholders’. “Neither of the leaders of the two sides actually represents the regions which are the centre of militancy.”

The much-delayed mini-jirga being held as a follow-up to the peace jirga held in August last year comes at a time when there is an increasing realisation among the countries contributing troops to the war-torn country and the Afghan government itself that the Taliban could not be defeated by military means alone.

The jirga also follows a Saudi-sponsored peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government initiated last month at the request of President Hamid Karzai.

“So far there have been isolated attempts to broker a peace, but the significance of the mini-jirga is that it will try to collectively devise a way for talking to the opponents -- the Taliban and other militant groups -- who are involved in attacks in Afghanistan and tribal areas of Pakistan,” said an official.

The mini-jirga members will also frame rules and regulations for the next main jirga to be held in Islamabad.