Pakistan delegation, Afghan Taliban arrive in Doha for talks

DOHA: A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, on Saturday, will hold discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha, Qatar, said the Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement.

The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan, emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.

“Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including Fitna-ul-Khawarij (FAK)/TTP and Fitna-ul-Hindustan (FAH)/BLA,” said the spokesperson.

Pakistan appreciated the mediation efforts of Qatar and hoped these discussions would contribute to peace and stability in the region, the statement added.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday urged the Afghan Taliban to rein in proxies that are perpetrating heinous attacks inside Pakistan.

The remarks came during the Passing Out Parade of the 152nd PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul.

In his address, Field Marshal Munir reiterated that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment and urged India to settle core issues with Pakistan in accordance with international norms, on the basis of equality and mutual respect.