مذاکرات هیأت‌های بلندپایه افغانستان و پاکستان در دوحه

A delegation from Kabul, led by the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has arrived in Doha, the capital of Qatar, for talks with Pakistan.

According to the Ministry of Defense, this delegation, which includes Abdul Haq Wathiq, Head of Intelligence of the Islamic Emirate will meet with senior Pakistani officials to discuss the mounting challenges between Kabul and Islamabad.

Yesterday also, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and its Intelligence Chief Asim Malik traveled to Doha.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, in a press release, stated that the talks will focus on peace, stability, and security cooperation, and asserted that Pakistan does not wish to escalate tensions. It also asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to honour its commitments to the international community.

Political analyst Hiwad Zazi said: “Since its inception Pakistan has pursued a dual‑track policy and implemented multiple strategies vis‑à‑vis Afghanistan, India and other neighbours. In this context it seeks to redress losses suffered in war, while simultaneously applying pressure at the bargaining table.”

Meanwhile, Amir Khan Mutaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, told his Iranian counterpart in a telephone call that the talks with the Pakistani side, headed by the national Minister of Defense, are underway today in Doha.

Abbas Araghchi likewise welcomed the start of talks between the two parties and emphasised the need to resolve the issue through diplomacy.

Zia Ahmad Takall, Director of Public Relations at the Foreign Ministry, commented: “Mawlawi Amir Khan Mutaqi said that today the negotiations with the Pakistani side under the leadership of our Minister of National Defence are underway in Doha and we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the talks.”

These talks begin amid reports that Pakistan carried out an attack overnight on parts of Afghanistan.

Hamidullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated: “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns these repeated crimes by Pakistani forces and violations of Afghan territory, and considers such acts provocative and a bid to prolong the war.”

Meanwhile, Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan’s Peace, said Qatar succeeded in persuading Afghanistan and Pakistan to extend their 48‑hour cease‑fire, and to bring senior officials of both countries to Doha to discuss a permanent cease‑fire and address mutual concerns.

But Pakistan has violated that cease‑fire and struck the Arghun district in Paktika province.