ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan began high-level talks in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday in a bid to ease escalating tensions along their shared border, officials from both countries confirmed.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the negotiations with the Pakistani delegation were proceeding as planned in Doha. He confirmed that a senior Afghan delegation, led by Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, had already arrived in Qatar to participate in the discussions.
UPDATE: The High-Level Taliban Delegation Arrives in Doha for Talks with Pakistan
A high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Minister of Defense Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob “Mujahid,” has arrived in Doha to hold talks with the Pakistani side. MoD spokesperson. https://t.co/axgVXkNfjR pic.twitter.com/D1f4L29XyZ
— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) October 18, 2025
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Pakistani delegation is headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The ministry said in a statement on X that the talks would focus on “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and to restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.”
“Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA,” the statement added.
Security sources confirmed that both sides had agreed to extend the ongoing ceasefire to create a conducive environment for dialogue.
Media reports described the Doha meeting as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, following weeks of intense clashes along the border that left several casualties on both sides.
Pakistan also acknowledged and appreciated Qatar’s mediation efforts, expressing hope that the dialogue would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
Analysts believe the outcome of the Doha talks could determine the trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and the broader regional security landscape in the coming weeks.
