Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mediated by Qatar, commenced in Doha on October 18th, 2025, between 2:07 PM and 3:07 PM UTC. The Pakistani delegation includes Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif, Director General of the ISI, and National Security Advisor Lt. General Asim Malik. The Afghan side is also present, aiming to address ongoing tensions. Sources indicate that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as a significant beneficiary of the conflict between the two nations, with a more consolidated TTP-Afghanistan relationship appearing inevitable. This comes as Afghans express anger over Pakistan's actions but frustration over the TTP's role in the current diplomatic standoff. These discussions follow previous reports of Pakistan presenting a non-negotiable agenda for talks with Afghanistan, which included flushing out TTP and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) sanctuaries, and the handover of individuals involved in the beheading of Pakistani soldiers. Afghan Taliban officials were reportedly prepared to share verified details of TTP hideouts with Pakistan, though they maintained it was unrealistic to expect a halt to TTP operations targeting Pakistan. Earlier today, reports confirmed that the bodies of seven Pakistani citizens, including soldiers, who were returned from Afghanistan showed signs of torture and decapitation. This occurred amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stating that "every inch" of Pakistan is within the reach of the BrahMos missile. Pakistan's Marshal Asim Munir had previously issued nuclear and economic threats to India, warning of severe repercussions for any hostilities.
