Islamabad, Pakistan—Security tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan persist despite Afghan media reports that delegations from the two countries are expected to meet in the Qatari capital, Doha, in the coming days.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry: We hope to cooperate with them
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said in a press conference in response to a question about the reason
Using the Taliban regime against the Afghan Taliban: “There is a group in power in Kabul. There is no constitution and no legal framework.”
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman said, according to Pakistani media, that Pakistan is cooperating with them.
He added: “We have an ambassador there. But at the same time, we hope that progress will be made in Kabul.”
Towards establishing a sound constitutional system of government that truly represents the Afghan people.
Delegations from both sides
An Afghan government spokesman announced that a high-level delegation from Afghanistan left for Doha on Saturday to hold peace talks with Pakistan.
This comes after the two countries extended a ceasefire following violent border clashes.
“As promised, negotiations will be held with the Pakistani side today in Doha,” the spokesman added in a statement.
Adding that the Kabul delegation is led by Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.
Three government and security officials told Reuters that a Pakistani delegation had already arrived in the Qatari capital on Friday to participate in the talks.
He is expected to be joined by senior officials.
Pakistani frequency
The Pakistani government has not confirmed its participation in the talks. The Pakistani defense and foreign ministries did not respond to requests for comment.
temporary truce
Sources reported that Pakistan and Afghanistan extended a 48-hour ceasefire on Friday for the duration of the Doha talks.
This is part of their efforts to end the clashes that have claimed the lives of dozens.
It has also injured hundreds over the past week in the worst violence between the two South Asian countries.
This has been the case since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
Fierce ground fighting erupted between the two former allies and Pakistani air strikes across their disputed border.
The 2,600-kilometre-long (1,600-mile) border was closed after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan.
Saying they carry out their attacks from safe havens in Afghanistan.
