Border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ARCHIVE
ISLAMABAD:
When defense ministers and spy chiefs from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime sat down at the table in Doha last week, there was widespread skepticism about whether talks hosted by Qatar could make any significant progress.
However, with the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye, both sides reached a ceasefire agreement, at least for now, after several days of deadly border clashes. As both sides prepare for the next round of discussions in Turkiye, officials in Islamabad are expressing cautious optimism.
A senior official described the agreement as a “positive step forward”, although he warned that it remains to be seen whether the agreement will be maintained beyond the initial phase.
Speaking to The Express PAkGazette on condition of anonymity, the official said there were “encouraging signs” following the deal brokered by Qatar and Turkey, which both sides signed in Doha last week after several days of talks.
“So far, things look positive. There are certain indicators that suggest the situation may gradually improve,” the official said, adding that the next round of talks in Istanbul on Oct. 25 would be “crucial in determining the direction of this engagement.”
According to him, the Doha deal has already caused unrest within the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with reports of “panic and confusion” emerging among militant ranks following the Taliban’s engagements with Islamabad.
“There was clear panic on the TTP side. They fear losing safe havens or logistical support that they have so far enjoyed on the other side of the border,” the official said.
However, despite the initial optimism, the official warned against overconfidence, recalling that Pakistan “has been down this path before.”
“The Afghan Taliban are not trustworthy. We have had numerous agreements in the past that ultimately failed,” he said.
“That is why Pakistan maintains its measured expectations while continuing to apply pressure through diplomatic and security channels.”
However, despite these first signs, the official warned against misplaced confidence. “The Afghan Taliban are not trustworthy. We have had numerous agreements in the past, which ultimately failed,” he said. “That is why Pakistan maintains its measured expectations 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 the movement of militants near the border.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, facilitated by Qatar and Türkiye, marked the first structured engagement between the two countries since cross-border tensions rose sharply earlier this year.
Officials said the agreement aims to create mechanisms to manage security concerns, border control and intelligence cooperation.
While both sides have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to “mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Pakistani officials privately remain skeptical about Kabul’s willingness 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 whether this is the start of genuine cooperation or just another tactical pause.”
