Afghan and Pakistani Delegations Meet in Doha to Address Violence

Delegates from Afghanistan and Pakistan convened in Doha on March 16, 2024, to engage in urgent discussions aimed at resolving escalating cross-border violence. The talks follow a week of intense fighting that has resulted in the deaths of dozens and injuries to hundreds from both nations. With tensions running high, both governments dispatched their defense ministers to lead the negotiations, emphasizing the need for immediate measures to halt cross-border terrorism and restore stability along their shared border.

Each country has accused the other of aggression, complicating the dialogue. The Afghan government denies harboring militants responsible for recent attacks in border regions. The situation has drawn the attention of regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have called for a de-escalation of hostilities, emphasizing the potential for further destabilization in a region already grappling with the resurgence of groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida.

Ceasefire Breakdown and Military Actions

A 48-hour ceasefire, intended to provide a pause in hostilities, expired on March 15, 2024. Shortly after its conclusion, Pakistani military forces conducted air strikes targeting two districts in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. Pakistani security officials confirmed that these operations were directed at hideouts belonging to the militant group led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur. The strikes were described as a response to a recent suicide bombing at a security compound in Mir Ali, located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to officials, the air raids resulted in the deaths of dozens of armed fighters while reportedly avoiding civilian casualties. However, Afghan officials contested this claim, asserting that at least ten civilians, including women and children, perished in the attacks. The incident has had repercussions beyond the immediate violence; the Afghan national cricket board announced a boycott of an upcoming series in Pakistan in response to the civilian casualties.

Reactions and Calls for Peace

The violence has sparked widespread condemnation, with thousands attending funeral services in Paktika. As prayers and sermons echoed through the air, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, condemned what he described as the “repeated crimes of Pakistani forces” and a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He characterized these actions as provocative and aimed at prolonging the ongoing conflict.

The two nations 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 confronting a surge in militancy, particularly in regions adjacent to Afghanistan. The Pakistani government has also accused India, its nuclear-armed rival, of supporting armed groups, although it has provided no evidence to substantiate these claims.

In a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Asim Munir, the chief of the Pakistani army, urged Afghan leaders to prioritize “mutual security over perpetual violence and progress over hardline obscurantism.” He called on the Taliban to take action against militant groups that operate within Afghanistan.

The outcome of the Doha talks remains to be seen, but both nations face the critical challenge of addressing the underlying issues contributing to the violence and fostering a sustainable peace in a region marked by conflict.