A delegation from Pakistan has arrived in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to hold talks with the taliban of Afghanistan, afghan media claims.
The delegation includes Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, and Asim Malik, the country’s intelligence chief.
At the same time, a delegation from Kabul led by Mullah Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, and Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Islamic Emirate’s intelligence agency, is expected to travel to Doha tomorrow.
Sources in Qatar said that the 48-hour ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been extended at Pakistan’s request until the end of the Doha talks. Negotiations between the two sides are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Janat Faheem Chakari, a political affairs analyst, said about the Doha meeting: “The fact that a high-level delegation from Afghanistan is traveling to Qatar and a senior Pakistani representative is also participating means that these negotiations can undoubtedly lead to positive results.”
Sources also add that the main focus of the talks is the extension of the ceasefire and finding solutions to political and security challenges between Afghanistan and Pakistan, issues that have recently raised concerns among regional countries and international organizations.
Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “Pakistan wants a peaceful, stable, friendly, inclusive, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. Pakistan expects the Taliban to act responsibly, honor their commitments, and play a constructive role in achieving the shared goal of eliminating terrorism from their soil.”
Meanwhile, Marvin Weinbaum, Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies and a resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, said Qatar’s role in hosting these talks has been crucial.
“This was really getting out of control, and intervention was necessary. This is where Doha once again played an important role. But I am sure the Chinese, quietly and without saying much, have advised de-escalation. The United States has done the same,” Weinbaum said.
This will be the first official meeting following intensified clashes between the two countries last week, a meeting facilitated by Qatar and Turkey.
