The first round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded in Doha, according to sources.
According to details surfaced on Saturday, the dialogue is expected to continue tomorrow. Qatar is serving as a mediator in the discussions.
A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was holding crucial talks with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha today.
The discussions aimed to address the recent rise in cross-border terrorism, promote peace and stability, and strengthen bilateral cooperation for regional security.
Pakistan, Taliban engage in security-focused dialogue
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the talks will focus on practical measures to prevent terrorism originating from Afghan soil and to ensure lasting peace along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
“Pakistan does not seek any kind of tension,” the spokesperson said, stressing that Islamabad remains committed to dialogue and peaceful cooperation.
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The official added that Pakistan expects the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments made to the international community and to take verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA, which threaten Pakistan’s security.
Pakistan calls for respecting security concerns
The Foreign Office underscored that Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed to restore mutual trust. “Afghan Taliban officials should fulfil their promises made to the international community,” the spokesperson reiterated, emphasizing that Pakistan’s goal is to eliminate cross-border terrorist activity and prevent the use of Afghan territory for anti-Pakistan operations.
Islamabad hopes the Doha talks will serve as a platform to achieve tangible progress in countering terrorism and building a framework for regional peace and cooperation.
Afghan delegation led by defence minister
Meanwhile, Afghan officials confirmed that an Afghan Taliban delegation, led by Interim Defence Minister Maulvi Mohammad Yaqoob, has also reached Doha for the meeting. The delegation will represent the Taliban government in discussions aimed at defusing tensions and advancing cooperation on border management and security.
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"As promised, negotiations with the Pakistani side will take place today in Doha," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement, adding that the Kabul team was led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob.
Qatar’s role in mediation
Pakistan has expressed its appreciation for Qatar’s mediation efforts, acknowledging Doha’s continued role in facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. The Foreign Office said Islamabad hopes that these efforts will lead to peaceful resolutions and long-term stability in the region.
“Pakistan appreciates Qatar’s reconciliation efforts and hopes these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
It should be noted that Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban agreed on Friday to extend their 48-hour ceasefire. The ceasefire will remain in effect until the ongoing negotiations in Doha are completed, according to official sources.
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The truce follows a major border clash that erupted on the night of October 11 and 12, when Afghan Taliban forces opened unprovoked fire along the Pak-Afghan border. In response, the Pakistan Army retaliated with full force, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.
During the exchange, around 200 Afghan personnel and Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed, while several others fled, abandoning their check posts and the bodies of their comrades. The Pakistan Army also destroyed a moving Afghan Taliban tank during the counterattack.
On October 15, the Afghan Taliban requested a ceasefire, which Pakistan accepted, leading to a 48-hour truce. As that ceasefire period was set to expire yesterday, both sides agreed to extend it once again to allow the peace talks to continue.
