WEB DESK: Pakistan and Afghan Taliban representatives are scheduled to hold talks in Doha today, the Foreign Office confirmed. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, will meet the Taliban to discuss issues including cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
The talks will focus on practical measures to restore peace and stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Foreign Office emphasised that Pakistan does not seek any escalation and hopes for constructive dialogue. Officials reiterated that Afghanistan must honour commitments made to the international community and take action to address Pakistan’s security concerns, including operations against terrorist groups operating from its territory.
The Foreign Office also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts and expressed hope that the negotiations will contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.
The Kabul team, led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, joined a Pakistani delegation already in the Qatari capital, with senior officials expected to take part in discussions, sources said.
The 48-hour truce, initially agreed on Friday, has now been extended for the duration of the talks, halting the heaviest fighting between the two neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The clashes erupted after Pakistan demanded that Kabul restrain militants operating from Afghan soil, who carried out attacks in Pakistan, including a suicide strike on Friday that killed seven soldiers and injured 13. Field Marshal Asim Munir, emphasised that Afghanistan must rein in militant proxies sheltering in its territory.
The Afghan government condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes that followed the ceasefire, saying it reserved the right to retaliate but directed its fighters to avoid action to protect the talks.
Afghanistan Cricket Board claimed that the strikes also affected local cricketers, prompting them to announce that the national team will withdraw from a cricket tournament scheduled in Pakistan in November.
Statement of Condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025