Afghan and Pakistani Delegations Meet in Doha to Address Violence

Afghan and Pakistani delegations convened in Doha, Qatar, on March 16, 2024, to address escalating cross-border violence that has resulted in significant casualties over the past week. Both countries have reported dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries amid ongoing skirmishes along their shared border, marking one of the most severe crises in years. The talks are being led by the defense ministers of both nations, aiming to implement “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the border,” according to Pakistani officials.

The backdrop to this dialogue is a complex web of accusations, with each country claiming to respond to aggression from the other. Afghanistan has denied allegations of harboring militants responsible for attacks in border areas. As regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar urge for calm, the violence raises concerns about further destabilization in a region where groups including the Islamic State and al-Qaida remain active.

Ceasefire Fails, Hostilities Resume

A 48-hour ceasefire designed to halt hostilities expired on March 15, 2024. Shortly thereafter, Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. Pakistani security officials confirmed the strikes, which were a 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 reported that the airstrikes resulted in the death of dozens of armed militants without civilian casualties, Afghan authorities claimed that at least ten civilians, including women and children, were killed during the assaults. The fallout from these attacks has led to significant public unrest, with thousands attending funeral prayers in Paktika, where condemnation of the violence echoed through loudspeakers.

Rising Tensions and Calls for Cooperation

The tensions have prompted strong reactions from officials on both sides. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, criticized what he termed “repeated crimes of Pakistani forces” and emphasized that such actions violate Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He labeled these military operations as deliberate attempts to prolong the ongoing conflict.

As the situation deteriorates, both nations confront their own internal challenges. Pakistan is experiencing a surge in militancy, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan, leading to accusations against Afghanistan and its nuclear-armed rival, India, of supporting armed groups. Pakistani army chief Asim Munir urged for a shift toward “mutual security over perpetual violence” and called on the Taliban to control militant proxies operating within Afghanistan.

As the delegations in Doha continue their discussions, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments, recognizing that the resolution of this crisis is crucial not only for Afghanistan and Pakistan but also for broader regional stability.