Pakistan and Afghanistan Begin Peace Talks in Qatar Amid Fragile Ceasefire

In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have initiated peace talks in Doha, Qatar, following one of the most violent border clashes between the two nations in recent years. The talks come after a 48-hour ceasefire extension, signaling a cautious yet critical effort to restore stability along their volatile border.

A high-level Pakistani delegation arrived in Doha earlier this week, while representatives from the Afghan Taliban government are expected to join the negotiations soon. The dialogue, facilitated by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aims to ease tensions that escalated into deadly exchanges, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured on both sides.

According to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad is open to discussions but “on our terms,” emphasizing that the Afghan side must take concrete action against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. He remarked that “the ball is now in Kabul’s court,” underscoring Pakistan’s demand for assurances on border sovereignty and militant containment.

For its part, Kabul has denied harboring or supporting cross-border insurgent groups, accusing Pakistan of military aggression and airstrikes that have affected Afghan civilians. The Doha talks, therefore, are being viewed as a crucial test of diplomatic maturity and mutual restraint between the two neighboring nations.

Mediators Qatar and Saudi Arabia have called for patience and dialogue, warning that renewed clashes could derail regional stability and economic cooperation efforts. Qatar’s foreign office stressed the importance of a “lasting political mechanism” to prevent future confrontations.

If successful, the peace talks could mark a turning point in the often-hostile Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship — one marred by mistrust, cross-border militancy, and competing regional interests. However, a breakdown in negotiations may push both sides toward another dangerous escalation, with dire humanitarian consequences for civilians trapped along the border.

The coming days in Doha may determine whether the region takes a step toward peace — or sinks deeper into yet another cycle of conflict and blame.