The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday confirmed that a high-level delegation led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif will hold talks with representatives of the Afghan Taliban regime in Doha, with an aim to restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
In a statement posted on X, the foreign ministry said the talks would primarily focus on “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan” and on restoring “peace and stability” along the shared border.
“Pakistan does not seek escalation, urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honor their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA,” it said.
The Foreign Office also appreciated the mediation efforts of Qatar and hoped these discussions would contribute to peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid had similarly confirmed that a high-level delegation from Afghanistan had left for Doha to participate in peace talks with Pakistan. “As promised, negotiations with the Pakistani side will take place today in Doha,” he said, adding Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob was leading Kabul’s team.
On Oct. 12, Taliban forces and India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alias Fitna al-Khawarij, resorted to an unprovoked attack on Pakistan, martyring 23 soldiers. In retaliatory strikes, Pakistan’s armed forces killed over 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants.
Subsequently, security forces conducted “precision strikes” in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and the capital Kabul, destroying multiple militant strongholds.
Earlier this week, the two sides agreed to a 48-hour “temporary” ceasefire, which has been extended pending the results of the dialogue in Doha.