DOHA (Kashmir English): Pakistan has pressed Afghanistan to take action against terrorist sanctuaries, operating from Afghan soil, in the first round of Doha talks that concluded on Saturday.
The second round of negotiations has been scheduled for today (Sunday).
Pakistani delegation is being led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. On the Afghan side, the talks were headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.
During the talks, Pakistani side raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, pointing in particular to groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Islamabad is of the view that these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents inside Pakistan in recent months.
Single-point agenda at Doha talks
According to sources familiar with the talks, Pakistan presented a ‘single-point agenda’ focused on the dismantling of terrorists’ networks.
Pakistan made it clear to Afghan counterparts that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organisations and their hideouts, sources said.
The talks mark one of the most direct diplomatic engagements between the two sides in recent months amid escalating tensions following a surge in attacks along the border areas.
Talks to continue in Doha
The next round of talks will continue today, with both sides expected to deliberate on security cooperation and cross-border coordination mechanisms.
