Pakistan, Taliban govt re-establish formal contact in Doha

Pakistani ambassador emphasises desire for peace is strong on both sides

DOHA:

Formal contact has once again been established between Pakistan and the Afghan interim government in Doha.

The Afghan delegation, participating in the United Nations-sponsored Afghan conference, met with the Pakistani delegation following initial discussions with the Indian delegation on the first day.

This renewed interaction aims to discuss regional stability and cooperation.

Read Taliban govt meets UN officials, Afghanistan envoys in Doha talks

The meeting was held at the residence of the Pakistani ambassador to Qatar. In his remarks, the Pakistani ambassador highlighted the commonalities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that the desire for peace is strong on both sides.

Sources revealed that the meeting between the Pakistani and Afghan delegations was positive. The Afghan delegation expressed gratitude to Pakistan for supporting Afghanistan’s stance at the conference and appreciated the public-level support extended by Pakistan.

The head of the Pakistani delegation, Asif Durrani, and the spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government, Zabihullah Mujahid, were present at the meeting.

However, the UN has clarified that the intention of holding talks with the Taliban does not mean recognition, stating "This is not a meeting about recognition. This is not a meeting to lead to recognition ... Having engagement doesn't mean recognition," DiCarlo told reporters.

"This isn't about the Taliban. This is about Afghanistan and the people."