Kabul: Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to resume high-level peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar, following the extension of a temporary ceasefire along their volatile border. The truce, initially intended for 48 hours, was prolonged to allow both sides to engage in dialogue after days of intense clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. Afghan officials confirmed that a delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, has departed for Doha to take part in the talks.
The recent escalation has included airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and ground confrontations, drawing widespread concern from the international community. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 18 people have been killed and over 360 others injured since fighting intensified on October 10. Civilian populations on both sides of the border have been severely affected, prompting urgent calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further humanitarian fallout.
The Doha talks are being closely watched as a critical step toward de-escalation. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, signaling a rare window for diplomatic intervention amid a backdrop of persistent mistrust and historical tensions. Observers note that these negotiations will test the ability of both governments to translate temporary ceasefires into long-term stability and security for the border regions.
International stakeholders, including the UN and regional powers, have welcomed the decision to extend the truce and resume talks, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives and restoring regional stability. Analysts suggest that the outcome of the Doha talks could have broader implications for Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, influencing security dynamics in South Asia and affecting cross-border trade, migration, and counterterrorism cooperation.
As delegations meet in Doha, the focus remains on whether sustained dialogue can prevent further bloodshed and address the underlying causes of the conflict, which have long been rooted in political, territorial, and security disputes. The extended ceasefire provides a crucial opportunity for both nations to demonstrate their commitment to peace and to build confidence among their populations, who have borne the brunt of recurrent violence.