Doha, Qatar—Amid escalating security tensions between Islamabad and Kabul along the Durand Line border, all eyes are on the Qatari capital of Doha.
which is preparing to host a new round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan,
mediated by Qatar, in the coming hours.
This is in an attempt to contain the crisis that threatens the stability of the region.
Formation of the delegations
Afghan media sources reported that a high-level Pakistani delegation,
including the defense minister and intelligence chief, arrived in Doha for talks with the Afghan side.
A delegation from the Taliban, led by Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid,
is expected to travel to Doha to participate in the meetings.
Sensitive security files
Reports from private sources said that the meeting aimed to discuss sensitive security issues.
At the forefront of these are the recent clashes on the Deir al-Zor line and coordination regarding armed activity in border areas.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry declined to confirm or deny the details of these talks.
Its spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said in a statement reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
“At this time, we cannot share any details about the negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha.”
Khan added that diplomatic relations between the two countries continue.
Repeated border clashes
He noted that the ambassadors in Kabul and Islamabad are carrying out their duties as normal despite the ongoing tension.
These diplomatic moves come after weeks of repeated border clashes between the two sides.
And accusations flew back and forth about support for armed groups operating on the border.
This has prompted observers to warn that the situation could escalate
into a wider confrontation unless direct channels of communication between the two countries are reopened.
