Terrorist groups in Afghanistan not acceptable, Pakistan tells Afghan Taliban at Doha talks
Next round of talks will be held on Sunday
As the first round of peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded, Pakistan made it clear that infiltration of terrorists from Afghanistan into Pakistan must stop, 24NewsHD TV quoted diplomatic sources as saying on Saturday.
The development came hours after the first round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan began in the Qatari capital of Doha on Saturday afternoon.
Sources said that Pakistan had made its red lines clear to the Afghan Taliban, saying that terrorist groups in Afghanistan were not acceptable.
The next round of talks will be held on Sunday (October 19, 2025).
Earlier, the peace talks began at 12:30pm local time. Qatari Intelligence chief Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa hosted the talks between the warring neighbours. The Taliban side is led by the Taliban government's Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, while Taliban intelligence chief Maulvi Abdul Haq Wasiq is also part of the delegation.
Pakistan state TV said earlier today, "Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General Asim Malik will be heading to Doha today for talks with Afghan Taliban."
The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan, emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
“Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA,” Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press statement.
Pakistan appreciated the mediation efforts of Qatar and hoped these discussions contribute to peace and stability in the region, it was further added.
An Afghan Taliban government official also confirmed the talks would take place.
"A high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate, led by Defence Minister Mohammed Yaqub, left for Doha today," Afghan Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X.