In a major diplomatic development, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are set to hold crucial negotiations today (Friday) in the Qatari capital, Doha, to address rising border tensions and prevent further escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
According to official communications released on the social media platforms of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Afghan delegation will be led by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, while Pakistan will be represented by senior security and intelligence officials. The dialogue is expected to focus on border security, counterterrorism cooperation, and the extension of the ongoing ceasefire between the two countries.
While Islamabad has yet to issue an official statement, Pakistan’s state broadcaster earlier confirmed that the two sides were preparing to hold direct talks aimed at easing recent hostilities. Security sources told Pakistan Television (PTV) Digital that the meeting was being arranged but refrained from disclosing its precise timing or location, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
Afghan outlet Tolo News had earlier reported that the discussions would take place in Doha, which has emerged as a key platform for backchannel diplomacy in the region. The talks come at a critical juncture, as the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan brokered earlier this week—is set to expire at 6 p.m. today. Both sides are under growing regional and international pressure to sustain peace along one of the world’s most volatile borders.
The meeting follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s revelation during a recent federal cabinet session that Qatar had offered to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul to help defuse tensions. “Qatar has shown deep concern over the recent developments and expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue between the two brotherly nations,” the prime minister said.
In a parallel development, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received a message from Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, who reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to supporting regional peace and stability. The Qatari minister lauded Pakistan’s constructive and stabilizing role in the region.
Mr. Dar, expressing gratitude, acknowledged Qatar’s continuous diplomatic support and its efforts to promote peace across South and Central Asia, stressing that Pakistan remains committed to resolving all bilateral issues through dialogue and mutual respect.
Today’s Doha meeting is being viewed as a defining moment in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as both nations grapple with escalating border skirmishes and security challenges stemming from cross-border militancy. Diplomatic observers believe that the outcome of these talks could set the tone for future engagement between Islamabad and Kabul, determining whether the region moves towards reconciliation or renewed confrontation. As the clock ticks toward the end of the ceasefire, all eyes are on Doha, where Pakistan’s resolve to protect its borders and regional peace will once again be tested through diplomacy — not conflict.
