Ahead of talks with Afghanistan in Doha following recent border clashes, Pakistan emphasised that it does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban to take action against terrorist groups such as the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA. Pakistan’s delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, is scheduled to meet Taliban representatives in Doha on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Pakistan Calls for Taliban Action on Terrorism
The discussions aim to address and end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan originating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border. This comes after recent violent clashes between the two countries, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. In a post on X, Pakistan Foreign Ministry also appreciated Qatar’s mediation efforts and expressed hope that these talks will contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
“A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by our Minister of Defence, will hold discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha today. The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border,” Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
“Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA. Pakistan appreciates the mediation efforts of Qatar and hopes these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region,” the post added.
Pakistani Airstrike Near Border Kills 8
Notably, Pakistan on Friday violated the ceasefire and carried out airstrikes that claimed the lives of at least six people, including two children, and left seven others wounded in Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktika province, Tolo News reported. The airstrikes targeted the residential areas in the Argun and Barmal districts of the country, causing significant civilian casualties.
A airstrike that rattled Afghanistan also killed three Afghan cricketers in the Paktika Province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said that the players had travelled from Urgun and Sharana in eastern Paktika province, on the Pakistan border, to participate in a tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month.
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