Pakistan on Saturday introduced that senior officers will journey to Qatar for talks with Afghanistan, simply hours after launching lethal airstrikes inside Afghanistan that killed no less than 10 individuals, together with three cricketers, and broke a two-day ceasefire alongside the tense border.Pakistan's state tv mentioned defence minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief common Asim Malik had been heading to Doha to satisfy Taliban representatives in a bid to defuse rising tensions.
“Defence minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief common Asim Malik shall be heading to Doha as we speak for talks with the Afghan Taliban,” the state tv introduced, with out providing additional particulars.Following Pakistan's announcement, Taliban authorities additionally confirmed the talks. “A high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate, led by Protection Minister Mohammed Yaqub, left for Doha as we speak,” Afghan Taliban authorities spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid mentioned on X.
Ceasefire shattered hours earlier than talks
Based on Tolo Information, Pakistan's navy performed a sequence of airstrikes in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province, placing residential areas within the Urgun and Barmal districts. Native sources reported important civilian casualties, saying the bombings flattened properties and killed ladies, kids, and younger athletes.The assault breached a 48-hour ceasefire that had introduced uncommon calm to the border after days of fierce cross-border clashes.
Pakistan sought ceasefire extension — then struck
In a transfer that drew sharp criticism, the strikes got here at the same time as Pakistan had requested an extension of the truce till the conclusion of the Doha talks aimed toward stopping additional escalation.Sources informed Tolo Information that Kabul agreed to increase the ceasefire at Islamabad's request — a call rendered meaningless inside hours of the bombing.
Cricket world mourns slain gamers
The fallout prolonged past politics, with Afghanistan's cricket fraternity plunged into mourning. Nationwide crew captain Rashid Khan condemned the strikes, confirming that three Afghan cricketers had been among the many lifeless.“I'm deeply saddened by the lack of civilian lives within the current Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of girls, kids, and aspiring younger cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage,” Rashid wrote on X.“It's completely immoral and barbaric to focus on civilian infrastructure. These unjust and illegal actions signify a grave violation of human rights and should not go unnoticed. In gentle of the valuable harmless souls misplaced, I welcome the ACB's determination of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures towards Pakistan. I stand with our individuals at this tough time, our nationwide dignity should come earlier than all else,” he added. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) introduced it was withdrawing from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I sequence involving Pakistan, scheduled for late November, calling the choice a gesture of respect to the victims.“In response of this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has determined to withdraw from taking part within the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Collection involving Pakistan, scheduled to be performed in late November,” the board mentioned in an announcement.
