Doha: The situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan had been tense for the past four days. Border shelling, military deployments, and threats had created a war-like situation. However, with Qatar’s mediation, the two neighboring countries have declared a temporary ceasefire. Now, both countries will try to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
Both Countries Accepted Qatar’s Mediation
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, on behalf of the Afghan government, stated that the ceasefire was being declared at Pakistan’s request. He also warned that if Pakistan attacked again, Afghanistan would retaliate.
A similar statement was issued by Pakistan, stating that Pakistan was declaring a ceasefire at the Taliban’s request. However, Pakistan reiterated that its actions against terrorism would continue.
Phone Call Changed Equation
According to report, Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Dr Muhammad Abdul Aziz Al-Khelaifi, spoke by phone with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, immediately after the ceasefire was announced.
During this conversation, Qatar praised Pakistan’s role in reducing regional tensions and establishing peace. Ishaq Dar also thanked Qatar for its constructive role.
Qatar Is Longtime Friend Of Taliban
Qatar is considered a trusted and close ally of the Taliban. The Taliban’s political office has been located in Doha, the capital of Qatar, for many years. Even when the US was fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, Qatar acted as a mediator between the two.
The Doha Agreement between the US and the Taliban in 2021 was also a result of Qatar’s initiative. Currently, the US has also entrusted Qatar with negotiating the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.
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Controversial But Influential
Although Qatar has long been accused of providing financial support to the Taliban, it has neither admitted nor denied this. Nevertheless, it is clear that whenever a Taliban-related issue arises in South Asia, Qatar’s role becomes paramount.
Qatar has once again demonstrated its strong diplomatic prowess in defusing the Pak-Afghanistan tensions. Defusing a war-like situation with just a phone call further strengthens Qatar’s international standing.