An indication was given by Gilani himself Wednesday evening while addressing the National Assembly and it was confirmed by the Foreign Office Spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua Thursday during weekly media here.

She said, “Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will visit Afghanistan for weekend talks with President Hamid Karzai.

The visit comes ahead of the main fighting season in neighboring Afghanistan, where 130,000 US-led troops are battling Taleban insurgents whose leaders are widely believed to be based in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

Relations have been strained over insecurity, with both accusing each other of destabilizing their countries, where militants are increasingly active.

Gilani will fly to Kabul on Saturday at the invitation of Karzai.

Tehmina  said, “This visit is part of our joint commitment to consult, cooperate and coordinate on all issues of mutual interest and concern,” Janjua said, adding that both countries were “determined to promote development” in Afghanistan.