Afghan, Pakistani Delegations Meet in Doha to Address Violence

Afghan and Pakistani delegations convened in Doha, Qatar, on March 9, 2024, to address escalating cross-border violence that has resulted in significant casualties and injuries on both sides. The discussions follow more than a week of intense fighting, which has claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds wounded. The delegations, led by the defense ministers of both countries, aim to implement immediate measures to combat terrorism and restore stability along their shared border.

Pakistan’s defense ministry emphasized the importance of the talks, stating they would focus on addressing “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.” Both governments have accused each other of aggression, with Afghanistan denying allegations of harboring militants who execute attacks in border regions.

Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have urged both nations to de-escalate tensions, as the ongoing violence poses a risk of further destabilizing an area where militant groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida are attempting to regain influence.

The situation escalated following the expiration of a 48-hour ceasefire on March 8. Shortly after its conclusion, the Pakistani military conducted strikes in two districts of Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. According to Pakistani security officials, the targets were hideouts belonging to the militant Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. This military action was reportedly a direct response to a suicide bombing that targeted a security forces compound in Mir Ali, located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a day earlier.

Pakistani officials indicated that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of dozens of armed fighters, asserting that there were no civilian casualties. However, Afghan authorities reported that at least ten civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes. The violence has led to a national cricket board decision to boycott an upcoming series in Pakistan, reflecting the broader impact of the conflict on cultural and social aspects of life.

On March 9, thousands attended funeral prayers in Paktika, where sermons condemning the violence were broadcast over loudspeakers. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, criticized the actions of Pakistani forces, labeling them “repeated crimes” and violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He characterized such military operations as provocative and aimed at prolonging the conflict.

The two countries share a border of approximately 2,611 kilometers (1,622 miles), known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized. Pakistan is currently facing a surge in militancy, particularly in regions adjacent to Afghanistan. Additionally, it has accused Afghanistan and its rival, India, of supporting armed groups, although no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims.

Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, addressed the situation during a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging Afghan leaders to prioritize “mutual security over perpetual violence.” He called on the Taliban to take decisive action against militant proxies operating within Afghanistan.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping that the negotiations in Doha will pave the way for a reduction in violence and foster long-term peace in a region plagued by conflict.