THE SAUDI CONNECTION

■ Saudi Arabia was part of peace negotiations

■ It is seen to have some sway over the Afghan Taliban militants

■ The meeting is expected to take place on February 18

The meeting Prince Salman is not in the plan so far but we can discuss it when we are in Islamabad.

—Taliban representative.

■ Riyadh has historical ties with the hardline Islamist group apart from its clout as Islam’s birthplace