ISLAMABAD/KABUL, Oct 18 (Reuters) — Afghanistan and Pakistan began peace talks in Doha on Saturday after agreeing to extend a ceasefire following a week of intense border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured — the worst fighting between the neighbors since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that “negotiations with the Pakistani side will take place today in Doha,” adding that the Afghan delegation, led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, had already arrived in Qatar for the discussions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said its delegation would be headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and would focus on “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.”