The news emerged as Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf called a meeting of top cabinet ministers and military leaders to discuss the issue at 6:00 pm (1300 GMT).

"You may say some progress has been made, that is why the prime minister has convened the DCC (defence committee of cabinet)," told AFP.

He refused to comment on press reports that a draft understanding had been reached between Pakistan and the United States.

A US official declined to comment, but confirmed talks were "progressing" on reopening the ground lines of communication (GLOCs) shut on November 26 after US air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghan border.