Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions: Talks Begin in Qatar
Diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate border crisis between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistani and Afghan officials have initiated diplomatic discussions in Qatar to alleviate escalating tensions following a series of cross-border clashes. The talks come after a brief 48-hour ceasefire collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities and Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan border areas. These strikes reportedly targeted a militant group associated with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and resulted in at least 10 civilian casualties in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
The recent flare-up of violence, which commenced on October 11, has claimed the lives of numerous troops and civilians on both sides. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to the TTP, a claim Kabul vehemently denies. This security issue remains a central point of contention between the two nations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emerged as a mediator in the crisis, engaging with both Afghan Prime Minister Hassan Akhund and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. According to a Taliban readout, all parties have “emphasized the need to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.” Qatar is hosting these crucial talks, though it has not yet publicly commented on its role, while Pakistan’s foreign ministry has expressed gratitude for Doha’s “mediation efforts.”
The Pakistani delegation includes Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, while Afghanistan’s team is led by defense chief Mohammad Yaqoob. The stated objective of the talks, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, is to “end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.” Despite the ongoing negotiations, a senior Taliban official noted that Pakistan had conducted bombings in Paktika shortly before the talks, prompting a warning of retaliation from Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed orders for their forces to hold fire to ensure the integrity of the negotiating process, with initial reports indicating a return to normalcy along the border, though fear persists among the populace. Neighboring Iran has also offered its assistance in de-escalating the situation, warning that the tensions threaten regional stability.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2619397/world
Source: news.forgequill.com
Tags: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Diplomatic Talks, Border Conflict, Taliban, Regional Stability, Cross-border Terrorism
Categories: World News, International Relations