Pakistani-Afghan talks launches in Doha amid border escalation

DOHA, Oct. 18 (YPA) – High-level delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan arrived at the Qatari capital, Doha, on Saturday to conduct negotiations, with the aim of consolidating a ceasefire and resolving contentious issues following violent clashes.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Intelligence Chief General Asim Malik are heading the Pakistani delegation, which the Foreign Ministry declared will focus on ending “terrorism emanating from Afghanistan” and restoring border stability.

On the Afghan side, Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and the Director General of Intelligence traveled to Doha. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid affirmed his country’s commitment to a peaceful solution and a halt to military activity, considering the recent escalation to be “the result of Pakistani aggression.”

The negotiations come against a backdrop of sharp exchanges of accusations. Pakistan’s Defense Minister accused Afghanistan of fighting on behalf of India, citing thousands of attacks since 2021.

In a simultaneous development, an Afghan official reported that dozens of civilians, including cricket players, were killed and wounded in Pakistani shelling on Paktika Province in eastern Afghanistan, despite a previous truce.

AA