Afghan President Hamid Karzai once again called on Taliban militants to give up militancy and join the peace process. Addressing an audience to mark the International Literacy Day on Tuesday, Mr. Karzai said, if Taliban are Afghan they should realize that firing any bullet would benefit the enemies of Afghanistan and damages the country's interest. He urged them to work together for stabilizing peace and stability in our country. This is our national obligation to work for the progress and prosperity of our country. Mr. Karzai said more than 200,000 students have been deprived of schooling mostly in the southern region where Taliban are active due to conflicts and security threats. Taliban militants have repeatedly rejected the offer for talks in the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. This time, the Afghan president has set up a High Council for Peace to accelerate the government-backed national reconciliation efforts with Taliban and associated militants.