Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha are nearing conclusion, with the next round scheduled in one week. 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 following a drone attack on October 18th, 2025, at 7:30 PM UTC. 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. The Pakistani delegation, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and DG ISI Lt. Gen Asim Malik, has drawn a clear red line regarding terrorism, as stated by sources. The Afghan delegation's expressed inability to act decisively against the TTP was communicated during these talks. 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 Afghan Taliban has also 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. Deputy Interior Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi Omari, stated in previous reports that the TTP was not created or supported by the Islamic Emirate, and that individuals like Mohsin Dawar opposed the peace process. These statements align with the current discussions where the Afghan delegation reportedly cited limitations in acting against the TTP.
