Pakistan and Afghanistan Extend Ceasefire for Doha Talks Amid Escalating Tensions

Pakistan and Afghanistan have extended a 48-hour ceasefire to allow diplomatic talks in Doha to proceed, following a period of intense cross-border hostilities that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The extension comes amid ongoing volatility, as evidenced by a recent suicide attack in Pakistan that killed seven soldiers and wounded thirteen others. Pakistan maintains that militant groups operating from Afghan territory are responsible for attacks within its borders, a claim the Afghan Taliban government denies while accusing Pakistan of spreading misinformation and exacerbating tensions. Despite the truce, reports of airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province shortly after the ceasefire was announced highlight the fragility of the situation. Both nations have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, with regional and international actors, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United States, showing interest in mediating the conflict. The outcome of the Doha talks will be critical in determining whether the two neighbors can de-escalate tensions and address underlying security grievances.

SOURCE: REUTERS