A high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, has initiated significant talks with Afghan Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatar, amid rising tensions along the Pak-Afghan border. The discussions, facilitated by Qatar, aim to address Pakistan’s growing security concerns and curb cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the agenda centers on “immediate measures to halt cross-border terrorist activities and ensure peace and stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.”

Pakistan Urges Taliban to Act Against Terror Networks

Pakistan emphasized that it seeks de-escalation, not confrontation, and called on the Taliban government to honor its international commitments by taking verifiable action against banned terrorist outfits, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The FO expressed appreciation for Qatar’s mediation efforts, voicing hope that the Doha dialogue will pave the way for regional peace and security. Senior intelligence officials from both nations are participating in the negotiations, which may extend beyond the weekend depending on progress.

Taliban Confirm Participation in Doha Talks

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed on social media that a delegation led by Defence Minister Maulvi Muhammad Yaqub Mujahid, accompanied by intelligence chief Mullah Wasiq, had departed for Doha to engage with the Pakistani side.

Pakistan Launches Precision Strikes on Terror Camps

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that Pakistan had conducted targeted strikes on verified terrorist camps of the Gul Bahadur group in North and South Waziristan, following multiple infiltration attempts from Afghanistan during a 48-hour ceasefire.

Tarar stated that Pakistani forces neutralized over 100 militants, adding that between 60 and 70 terrorists, including senior leaders, were eliminated in precision air operations. He clarified that no civilian areas were targeted and dismissed claims suggesting otherwise as false propaganda aimed at protecting terrorist elements.

The minister further noted that terrorists carried out an IED attack in North Waziristan, leading to the martyrdom of civilians and a Pakistani soldier, with several others injured.

Pakistan’s Stance on Regional Security

“Pakistan firmly believes that the path to peace lies in dialogue and the Afghan authorities’ control over non-state actors involved in Indian-sponsored terrorism,” Tarar said. “However, Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens from terrorist threats emanating from across the border.”

Tensions Escalate Amid Ceasefire Extension

Despite the Doha talks, recent precision strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan’s Paktika province have raised concerns about the fragile truce. The strikes followed an attack on a Pakistani military installation in North Waziristan, testing the limits of the recently extended ceasefire.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have played pivotal roles in facilitating dialogue, which both sides hope will break the cycle of cross-border hostilities and lead to a durable peace framework.

At a recent media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan warned the global community against complacency, saying:

> “Afghanistan has become a breeding ground for global terrorism. The world must act before this fire spreads further.”