FO confirms Pakistan delegation in Doha for talks with Afghan Taliban

ISLAMABAD: A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, has arrived in Doha to hold talks with the Afghan Taliban over the recent escalation of border tensions, the Foreign Office said on Friday.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the delegation will engage in discussions focused on the immediate cessation of cross-border terrorism and measures to ensure lasting peace and stability along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier.

“Pakistan’s objective is not confrontation but peace and stability,” the spokesperson asserted, urging the Afghan Taliban to honour their international commitments and take verifiable action against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan has specifically demanded action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and other militant groups responsible for recent attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, expressing optimism that the Doha talks would lead to “constructive outcomes” and strengthen regional peace efforts.

It may be recalled that on the night between October 11 and 12, several Pakistani citizens were targeted in an act of aggression along the border. The Pakistan Army retaliated by destroying enemy posts in response.