Doha: Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Hold High-Level Talks Led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

DOHA — High-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are underway in Doha, with Pakistan’s delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Asim Malik is also part of the team, according to diplomatic sources.

The Afghan delegation is being led by the Taliban’s Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, and includes the group’s intelligence chief Maulvi Abdul Haq, sources confirmed.

The talks are being hosted by Qatar’s Intelligence Chief, who is mediating between the two sides. According to officials familiar with the matter, Pakistan is focusing on a single-point agenda — cross-border incursions from Afghan territory, which Islamabad has repeatedly raised as a major security concern.

The meeting in Doha comes amid rising tensions between the two neighbours following a recent surge in cross-border attacks and Pakistan’s demand for firm action against militant elements operating from Afghan soil.

Diplomatic observers say the Doha talks could determine the future course of bilateral relations and regional stability in the coming weeks.