Afghanistan and Pakistan seek to ease border tensions — High-level talks underway in Qatar amid growing cross-border clashes.

Doha

Afghanistan and Pakistan have initiated high-level talks in Doha, Qatar, to address escalating violence along their border. Recent clashes, including strikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province and retaliatory attacks by Pakistan, have resulted in casualties and disrupted a fragile ceasefire. Both governments accuse each other of supporting armed groups, though these allegations are denied.

Qatar is facilitating the discussions and has called for de-escalation. The talks involve defense ministers and intelligence chiefs from both countries, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. The ongoing conflict has already affected trade and led to rising prices, impacting ordinary citizens. Observers hope the negotiations will help restore stability and improve relations between the two neighbors.

Afghanistan Pakistan peace talks underway

Renewed violence in Pakistan and Afghanistan is threatening to derail a fragile ceasefire. Strikes in Paktika on the Afghan side of the border have killed at least 10 people. Fighting flared last week after explosions in Kabul. Afghanistan then launched an offensive on the border targeting military outposts. Islamabad accuses its neighbor of harboring armed groups, an accusation Kabul denies. High-level talks are underway in the Qatari capital to find a solution to the dispute. Earlier, an Afghan delegation led by the Defense Minister arrived in Doha. Qatar has called on the two sides to de-escalate tensions. Kamal Haider has more from the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. After the initial 48 hours ceasefire, which was temporary, there was an incident after Pakistan attacked against what it says are TTP camps situated in Paktika province bordering north and south Waziristan. Pakistan said that was in retaliation for a deadly attack on its military camp close to the border in Mirali, north Waziristan. But there is now a ray of hope because the defense ministers of both countries, also aided by their intelligence chiefs, are in Doha. Both countries enjoy cordial relations with the state of Qatar, which is hosting those talks. So there is room for some optimism that perhaps the two sides now sitting across the table from each other will be able to get their point of view across. Pakistan and Afghanistan, of course, are bound by trade. Most of the fresh fruits and vegetables come from Afghanistan. Pakistan exports essential commodities to Afghanistan, and it is already having an effect on the prices in both countries. Ordinary people are suffering. So there is a hope and expectation that the two sides will be able to reconcile their differences, despite the fact that they're dealing with a complex issue. All eyes now will be on those talks, and everybody on both sides will be hoping that the two sides are able to reconcile their differences and to restore peace and quiet on the western border, that is Pakistan's border with Afghanistan. Kamal Haider, Al Jazeera, Peshawar.

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