Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Hold Key Talks in Doha

DOHA — A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif is set to engage in critical discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The talks aim to address the rising incidents of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan territory and to seek immediate steps toward restoring peace and stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

“Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban to fulfill their international commitments by taking verifiable action against terrorist groups, including Fitna-ul-Khawarij (TTP) and Fitna-ul-Hindustan (BLA),” the Foreign Office spokesperson stated.

Islamabad appreciated Qatar’s mediation efforts and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to a more secure and stable region.

Army Chief Warns Afghan Taliban Over Terrorist Proxies

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir issued a strong message to the Afghan Taliban, urging them to control militant proxies responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Addressing the Passing Out Parade of the 152nd PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Field Marshal Munir stated, “Every state proxy of a neighbour will be reduced to dust.”

He emphasized that there is no space for war in a nuclear environment and called on India to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue, mutual respect, and international norms.

Read More:Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Agree on 48-Hour Ceasefire

The governments of Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have mutually agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire starting from 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ceasefire comes following days of heightened tensions and clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Afghan Taliban requested the ceasefire after suffering significant losses in recent military operations carried out by the Pakistan Army.