Taliban delegation travels to Doha for talks with Pakistan

Taliban confirmed Saturday that their delegation led by Yaqub Mujahid has traveled to Doha, Qatar, for talks with Pakistani officials.

Sources confirmed that Taliban intelligence chief Abdulhaq Wasiq is also part of the delegation.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions and cross-border clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces in recent days, including reported Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul and several southeastern provinces. The Taliban accuse Pakistani forces of violating Afghan sovereignty by launching aerial attacks on civilian areas in Paktika, Kandahar and Kabul, resulting in multiple casualties.

In a series of posts on social media, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he called “repeated aggression” by Pakistani forces. He said a Pakistani warplane struck a civilian home in Paktika’s Urgun district Friday night, killing 10 people, including women and children. Additional strikes were also reported in the Barmal district.

“The Islamic Emirate believes in resolving regional issues through dialogue and peaceful means,” Mujahid wrote. “But what is unfolding now is the result of Pakistani violations.” He added that the Taliban “reserve the right to respond” but remain committed to diplomacy out of respect for national dignity and international norms.

According to Taliban sources, the Doha talks will focus on border security and the possibility of extending a fragile ceasefire. A 48-hour truce that expired Friday evening has reportedly been renewed, though there is no official confirmation from either side.

Diplomatic sources also told Amu TV that a senior Pakistani security delegation is expected to arrive in Doha soon for direct talks with Taliban officials.

Pakistan’s prime minister has said his government is willing to engage in dialogue with the Taliban if Islamabad’s “legitimate concerns” are addressed.

The recent cross-border hostilities have resulted in significant civilian casualties. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported Thursday that 37 civilians had been killed and 425 injured in border provinces over the past week. Most of the casualties occurred in Paktya, Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Kandahar and Helmand.

The current violence marks one of the most serious escalations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and has raised concerns of further instability in a region already challenged by militant activity and humanitarian crises.