Afghan and Pakistani negotiators convened in Qatar on Saturday following the worst bout of cross-border violence since 2021, with dozens reported dead and hundreds injured. The agenda centers on halting cross-border attacks and stabilizing the frontier as both sides trade accusations over militant safe havens.

Ceasefire Extension And Fresh Strikes

Officials said the 48-hour truce was prolonged to create space for talks, yet Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of breaking it with airstrikes that killed at least 10 people. Islamabad said its operations targeted a faction linked to the Pakistani Taliban after a deadly attack on its forces.

Who’s At The Table In Doha

Pakistan’s delegation includes Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and senior intelligence officials; Kabul’s side is led by top security chiefs. The foreign ministries said discussions aim at “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism” and restore calm along the 2,600-km border.

Civilian Casualties and Diplomatic Fallout

Afghan officials reported civilian casualties from strikes, while Pakistan’s information and military officials claimed “precision” hits and high militant tolls; independent verification is limited. Afghanistan also withdrew from a November T20 tri-series in Pakistan after three local cricketers were killed in Paktika.

Sticking Points And External Mediation

A central dispute remains Kabul’s alleged sheltering of anti-Pakistan groups—an allegation the Taliban rejects as “misinformation.” Qatar is facilitating the meetings as Washington and regional partners signal support for de-escalation. w“The regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan,” Pakistan’s army chief said.