DOHA: Qatar has stepped forward to mediate between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in an effort to defuse rising tensions along their shared border.
According to international media reports, Doha has offered to host dialogue between the two sides, with discussions expected to take place today (Friday). The Taliban’s official social media accounts confirmed that a delegation from Kabul, led by Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, will meet with Pakistani security and intelligence officials in the Qatari capital.
While Islamabad has yet to issue an official statement, Pakistan’s state broadcaster earlier acknowledged that diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours was being planned to ease recent border hostilities. Security sources, speaking to PTV Digital, also confirmed that negotiations were in the works but refrained from disclosing details about timing or venue.
Afghan outlet TOLO News likewise reported that Doha will serve as the meeting point for the talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a cabinet meeting, said Qatar had “offered to mediate in good faith” and was actively engaging with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to help find a peaceful resolution.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also received a message from Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, who commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. In response, Dar thanked Qatar for its continued diplomatic support and efforts to foster dialogue in the region.
The mediation initiative comes as a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan is set to expire at 6 p.m. today, raising concerns that border tensions could once again escalate if talks fail to yield progress.
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