Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha are nearing conclusion, with the next round scheduled in one week, as a quadcopter drone attack from the Afghan side injured security personnel and killed one in Pakistan's Bajaur district at 7:30 PM UTC on October 18th, 2025. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and DG ISI Lt. General Asim Malik, conveyed that Pakistan will retaliate against all acts of terrorism. During the Doha discussions, the Afghan delegation reportedly expressed an inability to take decisive action against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In response, Pakistan proposed joint operations or, if the Taliban lack capacity, tacit approval for targeted strikes, according to sources. This exchange occurred while negotiations were underway and the border attack took place. The Afghan Taliban made new military appointments, naming Qari Muhammad Ayub Khaled as commander of the 215th Al-Azm Army Corps and Mullah Sharafuddin Taqi as commander of the 217th Umari Army Corps, as announced by Zabehulah Mujahed on X. These appointments come as discussions in Doha aim to address regional security, particularly concerning TTP activities, which have been a point of contention between the two nations. Previous reports indicated that Afghan Taliban officials were prepared to share verified details of TTP hideouts but deemed it unrealistic to expect a halt to TTP operations targeting Pakistan. The ongoing diplomatic engagements in Doha are intended to foster peace and stability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, though tensions remain high. The previous report from the window between 3:38 PM and 4:38 PM UTC noted that Deputy Interior Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi Omari, stated the TTP was not created or supported by the Islamic Emirate, and that individuals like Mohsin Dawar opposed the peace process. This aligns with the current discussions where the Afghan delegation reportedly cited limitations in acting against the TTP.
