Islamabad (TDI): A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif is scheduled to meet Afghan representatives in Doha today, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.
Islamabad said the talks will concentrate on immediate steps to halt cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and to restore stability along the shared frontier.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan does not seek escalation but expects the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour international commitments and take verifiable action against groups that threaten Pakistan’s security. Islamabad also thanked Qatar for mediating the dialogue and expressed hope the discussions will contribute to regional peace.
The Taliban confirmed the meeting. Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said on X that a high-level delegation, led by Defense Minister Maulvi Muhammad Yaqub Mujahid, had departed for Doha. Afghan reports indicate the delegation may include intelligence chief Mullah Wasiq.
Read More: Pakistan, Afghanistan Extend Ceasefire Ahead of Doha Talks
Separately, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security forces struck confirmed hideouts of the outlawed Gul Bahadur group in North and South Waziristan overnight. Tarar claimed that, during a 48-hour ceasefire, militants based in Afghanistan attempted several attacks inside Pakistan that were repelled, and that an IED blast in North Waziristan killed civilians and one soldier while injuring others, according to Dawn.com.
Tarar asserted the precision strikes killed dozens of fighters, placing the number at “a minimum of 60–70” based on confirmed intelligence, and denied allegations that civilians were targeted. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it seeks a political resolution to what it called “Indian-sponsored terrorism” from Afghan soil, while reserving the right to defend its territory and people.
Read More: Guns Fall Silent: Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree to 48-Hour Ceasefire
Security sources had earlier reported additional strikes targeting militant hideouts in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, including the Angoor Adda, Urgun and Barmal areas. Those operations followed an attack on a military installation in North Waziristan and came just hours after Islamabad and Kabul agreed to extend a short ceasefire, the report added.
