Afghanistan and Pakistan to Hold Peace Talks in Doha Amid Border Clashes

KABUL/ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to hold high-level peace talks in Doha after extending a ceasefire following fierce border clashes that killed dozens and injured hundreds over the past week.

A delegation from Afghanistan, led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, left for Qatar on Saturday, while Pakistani officials were already in Doha ahead of the talks. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the meeting, stating, “Negotiations with the Pakistani side will take place today in Doha.”

The clashes erupted after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who carried out attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan territory. Despite the ceasefire, Pakistani airstrikes were reported in Afghanistan hours after the truce was extended. Kabul condemned the strikes but directed Afghan forces not to retaliate to preserve the negotiation process.

The talks aim to address long-standing border security issues and ease tensions between the neighboring countries, the worst since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021.