Pak-Afghan border. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
When defense ministers and intelligence chiefs from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime gathered around the table in Doha last week, there was widespread skepticism that the Qatar-hosted talks would produce a significant breakthrough.
However, thanks to Qatari and Turkish mediation, the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement, at least for the moment, after several days of deadly border clashes. As both sides now prepare for the next round of talks in Türkiye, officials in Islamabad are expressing cautious optimism.
A senior official called the agreement a “positive step forward”, while warning that it remains to be seen whether the agreement will hold beyond the initial phase.
Speaking to The Express PK Press Club on condition of anonymity, the official said there were “encouraging signs” following the deal brokered by Qatar and Turkey, which the two sides signed in Doha last week after several days of negotiations.
“So far, things look positive. Some indicators suggest that the situation could gradually improve,” the official said, while adding that the next round of negotiations in Istanbul on October 25 would be “crucial in determining the direction of this engagement.”
He said the Doha deal has already caused unease within the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with reports of “panic and confusion” in the militants’ ranks after the Taliban’s engagements in Islamabad.
“There was a clear panic in the TTP camp. They fear losing the shelters or logistical support they had benefited from on the other side of the border,” the official noted.
However, despite the initial optimism, the official cautioned against complacency, reminding that Pakistan “has been down this path before.”
“The Afghan Taliban are not trustworthy. We have had many deals in the past that ended up falling apart,” he said.
“This is why Pakistan is keeping its expectations measured while continuing to apply pressure through diplomatic and security channels.”
However, despite these early signs, the official warned against misplaced confidence. “The Afghan Taliban are not trustworthy. We have had many agreements in the past, which ended up collapsing,” he said. “This is why Pakistan is keeping its expectations measured while continuing to apply pressure through diplomatic and security channels.”
He added that Islamabad would closely monitor Kabul’s implementation of the agreement in the coming days, particularly its actions against TTP hideouts and militant movements near the border.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, marked the first structured engagement between the two countries since the sharp escalation of cross-border tensions earlier this year.
Officials said the agreement aimed to create mechanisms for handling security issues, border control and intelligence cooperation.
While both sides have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to “mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Pakistani officials remain privately skeptical of Kabul’s desire to rein in anti-Pakistan groups operating from Afghan soil.
“We are hopeful, but we are not naive,” the official said. “The coming weeks will tell us whether this is the start of real cooperation or simply another tactical pause.”
