Pakistan and Afghanistan have launched peace talks in Doha on Saturday following a week of intense border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded — the most severe violence between the two neighbors since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.
Both governments confirmed that a temporary ceasefire would remain in place throughout the negotiations. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that a delegation led by Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob had arrived in Doha for talks with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was leading its side, emphasizing that the dialogue aims to end cross-border terrorism and restore peace and stability along their 2,600 km (1,600-mile) shared frontier.
“The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan,” Pakistan’s statement said, noting that senior intelligence officials were also participating.
Background of the Conflict
The recent violence erupted after Pakistan accused Kabul of harboring militants launching attacks inside Pakistan. In response, Islamabad carried out airstrikes on what it described as “verified militant camps” along the border — strikes that Afghanistan said targeted civilians.
Afghan officials condemned the bombings, saying they occurred just hours after the ceasefire extension and led to civilian casualties in Paktika province. Kabul warned it “reserved the right to respond” but had instructed its forces to remain restrained during negotiations.
Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, urged Afghanistan to “rein in proxies operating from its soil”, after a suicide attack near the border on Friday killed seven Pakistani soldiers and injured 13 others.
Sporting Fallout
In a symbolic protest, Afghanistan withdrew from a planned T20 cricket tri-series in Pakistan next month. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the decision followed the deaths of three local players allegedly killed in Pakistan’s airstrikes.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the strikes, insisting that over 100 militants were killed in operations against groups responsible for Friday’s attack. He denied civilian casualties, though Reuters could not independently verify the claims.
The talks in Doha could be extended beyond Saturday, depending on progress, as both sides face mounting domestic pressure to de-escalate and prevent a broader regional conflict.
