DOHA: In a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, leaders of the Afghanistan interim government engaged with Pakistani officials, aiming to alleviate tensions exacerbated by the ongoing activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is believed to operate from Afghanistan.
The bilateral relations have been tense, not only due to the TTP issue but also because of frequent border clashes. Tensions escalated last week following comments by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, suggesting possible strikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, which provoked a sharp response from the Afghan defense ministry.
In efforts to mend ties, the Pakistani mission in Qatar hosted a dinner for the Afghan delegation on the sidelines of the Doha-III conference. This gathering was part of a series of discussions aimed at addressing bilateral concerns.
Zabihullah Mujahid, leader of the Taliban delegation, termed the discussions with Pakistani representatives, including special representative Asif Durrani, as positive. “We had a good meeting… I am grateful for their hospitality and hope for good and positive relations for both countries,” Mujahid shared on the X platform.
د پاکستان له ځانګړي استازي ښاغلي آصف دراني او په دوحه کې د هغه هېواد له سفیر او کنسلانو سره مو ماښامنۍ او ډیره ښه ناسته درلوده.
د هغو له میلمستیا څخه مننه او د دواړو هېوادونو لپاره د ښه او رغنده اړیکو هیله لرو. pic.twitter.com/4bxdOAr8n4— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) July 2, 2024
Durrani highlighted that the dialogue covered topics related to the Doha-III conference, bilateral and regional issues. Muhemmed Aejaz, Pakistan’s ambassador in Qatar, echoed the sentiment of fraternity and shared goals, emphasizing the mutual desire for regional peace and security.
Additionally, the conference saw a quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Qatar, focusing on the Trans-Afghan Railway project. This project aims to connect South and Central Asia, enhancing regional connectivity. “All sides called for the early start and completion of this significant project,” stated Mujahid.
Durrani also advocated for increased international engagement with Afghanistan’s interim government and the release of frozen Afghan assets. The issue of Afghan refugees was also a priority, with discussions on creating conditions conducive for their return to Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s ascent to power in August 2021, nearly 700,000 Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan.
