Delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan are meeting in Doha, Qatar, in an effort to resolve escalating tensions that have resulted in significant violence along their shared border. Over the past week, clashes have led to the deaths of dozens and injuries to hundreds from both nations, marking one of the most severe crises in recent years.
The Afghan delegation includes key figures such as the Minister of Defence and the head of the national intelligence agency. A Pakistani team is expected to arrive shortly, as reported by the national broadcaster PTV. Both countries accuse each other of aggression, with Pakistan claiming that Afghanistan is providing sanctuary to militants conducting attacks in border areas. The Taliban government has denied these allegations.
Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are urging both sides to de-escalate the situation, as the ongoing violence threatens to undermine stability in a region already troubled by the resurgence of groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
Ceasefire Breakdown and Military Actions
A recent 48-hour ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities expired on March 15, 2024. Following its conclusion, Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes in two districts within Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. Pakistani security officials indicated that these strikes targeted hideouts associated with the militant group led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur. According to anonymous sources speaking to The Associated Press, the military actions were in direct response to a suicide bombing that targeted a security forces compound in Mir Ali, located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
While Pakistani officials assert that these air raids resulted in the deaths of numerous armed militants without civilian casualties, Afghan authorities report a different outcome. They claim at least ten civilians, including women and children, lost their lives during the assaults. The violence has had repercussions beyond the immediate conflict; the national cricket board in Pakistan announced a boycott of an upcoming series in response to the ongoing situation.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, criticized the actions of Pakistani forces, describing them as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He characterized these military operations as provocations intended to prolong the conflict.
Calls for Dialogue and Stability
The border in question, known as the Durand Line, spans approximately 2,600 kilometers and remains a point of contention, as Afghanistan has never formally recognized it. Pakistan is grappling with increasing militancy, particularly in regions adjacent to Afghanistan, and it has accused its neighbor—along with its rival India—of supporting armed groups, although no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
In a recent address at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Army Chief Asim Munir urged Afghan leaders to prioritize mutual security and progress over ongoing violence. He emphasized the need for the Taliban to rein in militant groups operating within Afghan territory, stating that it is crucial for both nations to foster stability in the region.
As discussions continue in Doha, the international community watches closely, hoping that both governments can find a way to reduce tensions and prevent further bloodshed. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid developments in the coming days.
