Leaders from the Afghanistan interim government met with Pakistani officials in Doha on Monday to address recent tensions, including Pakistan’s announcement of a new operation against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based in Afghanistan.
Relations between the neighboring countries have strained due to TTP activities and border skirmishes. The Afghan defense ministry strongly responded to Pakistan’s statements regarding targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, exacerbating bilateral tensions.
In efforts to improve relations, the Pakistani mission in Qatar hosted a dinner for the Afghan delegation during the Doha-III conference, focusing on bilateral issues. Zabihullah Mujahid, leading the Taliban delegation, described their meeting with Pakistani diplomats as productive, expressing optimism for enhanced relations.
“We had a constructive meeting with Pakistan’s special representative, Mr. Asif Durrani, and their diplomatic team in Qatar,” Mujahid noted. “I appreciate their hospitality and look forward to fostering positive relations.”
Ambassador Durrani emphasized discussions on Doha-III, bilateral relations, and regional issues during the meeting. Pakistan’s ambassador in Qatar, Muhemmed Aejaz, highlighted the mutual desire for regional peace and security between both nations.
Furthermore, a quadrilateral meeting in Doha involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Qatar reviewed the Trans-Afghan Railway project. This project aims to link Uzbekistan and Pakistan via Afghanistan, enhancing connectivity across South and Central Asia to foster economic integration and stability. During these discussions, Durrani advocated for increased international engagement with Afghanistan’s interim government and urged the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets. Pakistan also stressed the necessity for a conducive environment in Afghanistan to facilitate the repatriation of nearly 700,000 Afghan refugees who sought shelter in Pakistan following the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
