ISLAMABAD: Talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban representatives are underway in Doha, focusing on recent border clashes between the two countries.
Earlier, Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and ISI Director General and National Security Adviser Gen Asim Malik landed in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday ahead of talks scheduled with the Afghan delegation, security sources say.
The delegations from both sides comprise the defense ministers and the intelligence chiefs, they said.
The sources said Abdul Haq Wasiq, Head of Intelligence of Afghanistan, and Mullah Muhammad Yaqub, the defense minister, have also landed in Doha.
The talks began at 2pm Pakistan Standard Time.
Foreign ministry's statement
A statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said: “A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by our Minister of Defence, will hold discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha today.”
“The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.”
The statement further said: “Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour 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.”
“Pakistan appreciates the mediation efforts of Qatar and hopes these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region,” it added.
Ceasefire and planned talks
Earlier this week, Islamabad and Kabul agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, following several days of intense cross-border fighting, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed.
Security officials told Pakistan TV Digital that the upcoming Doha talks aim to “defuse tensions and establish a mechanism to prevent future border incidents.”
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said both sides are making “sincere efforts” to achieve a peaceful resolution.
“Pakistan believes in dialogue and remains committed to peace,” Khan said at a weekly press briefing. “Both countries are exploring constructive and sustainable solutions to these complex but solvable issues.”
Afghanistan’s interim government also confirmed the continuation of discussions. Speaking to Ariana News, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire has been extended until the conclusion of planned talks, according to a report by Reuters.
Khan added that Islamabad continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with Kabul.
“There is no downgrade in relations,” he said. “But Pakistan will continue to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and people at all costs.”
Repatriation of Afghan nationals
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed all federal and provincial authorities to expedite the repatriation of Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan, citing mounting security concerns and recent attacks originating from Afghan territory.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and provincial representatives, Sharif said: “Pakistan has always stood by Afghanistan in difficult times, but the involvement of Afghans in recent terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil is deeply concerning.”
Officials briefed the meeting that 1,477,592 Afghans have already been repatriated under the ongoing phased process. Only those holding valid Pakistani visas will be permitted to stay in the country, they added.
Pakistan launched its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023, under which tens of thousands of Afghans who had fled decades of war and deprivation have since returned to Afghanistan.
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