ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security sources on Friday denied reports that a Pakistani delegation was already in Doha for talks with the Afghan Taliban, clarifying that the team is scheduled to depart for the Qatari capital on Saturday.

“The Pakistani delegation is still in Pakistan and will leave for Doha tomorrow morning,” security sources said. “Reports suggesting the delegation is already in Doha are baseless.”

The clarification came after several foreign news outlets reported that Islamabad’s delegation had arrived in Doha for negotiations with Taliban representatives.

Ceasefire and planned talks

Earlier this week, Islamabad and Kabul agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, following several days of intense cross-border fighting, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed.

Security officials told Pakistan TV Digital that the upcoming Doha talks aim to “defuse tensions and establish a mechanism to prevent future border incidents.”

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said both sides are making “sincere efforts” to achieve a peaceful resolution.

“Pakistan believes in dialogue and remains committed to peace,” Khan said at a weekly press briefing. “Both countries are exploring constructive and sustainable solutions to these complex but solvable issues.”

Afghanistan’s interim government also confirmed the continuation of discussions. Speaking to Ariana News, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the ceasefire has been extended until the conclusion of planned talks, according to a report by Reuters.

Khan added that Islamabad continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with Kabul.

“There is no downgrade in relations,” he said. “But Pakistan will continue to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and people at all costs.”

Repatriation of Afghan nationals

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed all federal and provincial authorities to expedite the repatriation of Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan, citing mounting security concerns and recent attacks originating from Afghan territory.

Chairing a high-level meeting attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and provincial representatives, Sharif said:

“Pakistan has always stood by Afghanistan in difficult times, but the involvement of Afghans in recent terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil is deeply concerning.”

Officials briefed the meeting that 1,477,592 Afghans have already been repatriated under the ongoing phased process. Only those holding valid Pakistani visas will be permitted to stay in the country, they added.

Pakistan launched its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023, under which tens of thousands of Afghans who had fled decades of war and deprivation have since returned to Afghanistan.

Articles tagged with "talks"

Pakistani delegation to depart for Doha today for Taliban talks