Taliban delegation arrives in Doha for talks with Pakistan amid rising tensions

A high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Taliban Defence Minister Maulvi Muhammad Yaqub Mujahid, has arrived in Doha for negotiations with the Pakistani facet, the Afghan Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday.

The go to comes amid deteriorating ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as Islamabad continues to launch navy operations concentrating on a number of areas in Kabul, leading to civilian casualties, together with ladies and youngsters.

Citing a number of stories, IANS stated practically 200 Afghans have died in these assaults, whereas round 60 Pakistani troopers have additionally misplaced their lives.

The Qatar-mediated talks happen throughout an prolonged however uneasy truce. Regardless of the ceasefire, Afghan communities alongside the Durand Line proceed to face assaults from Pakistani forces, even after a fierce battle final week prompted the preliminary settlement to halt hostilities.

Late Friday, Pakistan performed airstrikes in three areas in Paktika province, reportedly killing a minimum of 17 individuals, together with three Afghan cricketers, and injuring 16 others, amongst them ladies and youngsters. The assault occurred round 8:30 pm native time in Khandaro village of Argun district, concentrating on a home straight.

The airstrike breached the truce that was to final till Friday, October 15, and no verified info has come out in regards to the Pakistan capital giving a proper excuse for the lack of the gamers or another civilians.

The rise in violence got here similtaneously the go to to New Delhi by Afghan Overseas Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, which confused the already current battle between Kabul and Islamabad.

Not having an apology has made the Doha talks much more tough because it has turned the Afghani public opinion in opposition to Pakistan in order that it’s now very tough for the Taliban negotiators to ask for a face-saving, non-binding assertion as an alternative of going for formal concessions or ensures.

The Pakistani delegation consists of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik, each identified for his or her important stance on the Taliban. Asif has repeatedly alleged that the Taliban have “aligned with India,” whereas Pakistan’s Overseas Ministry has described Afghanistan as a “hub for transnational terrorism.”

How successfully Pakistan can persuade Kabul’s delegation, led by Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid and intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, stays unsure.

Regional actors facilitated the Doha assembly after per week of cross-border violence and airstrikes, which adopted a brief 48-hour ceasefire reportedly prolonged for the talks.

Qatar continues to play a novel mediating function in Afghan diplomacy and safety discussions between Islamabad and Kabul following the Taliban’s return to energy.