8 hours ago
Last Updated:October 18, 2025, 14:12 IST
Taliban warns Kabul reserves right to respond after Pakistani airstrikes kill civilians in Paktika. Peace talks in Doha will take place later in the day.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid (Image: AP/File)
Ahead of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Doha on Saturday, following days of fierce border clashes, the Taliban government has warned that Kabul “reserves the right to respond," but its forces have been ordered not to undertake new military operations to maintain the dignity of its negotiating team.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to a peaceful settlement but blamed Islamabad for recent hostilities for carrying out “repeated crimes."
In a series of posts on X, Mujahid wrote, “As previously agreed, negotiations with the Pakistani side are scheduled to take place today in Doha. In this regard, a high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by the Honorable Minister of Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has departed for Doha."
Condemning the airstrikes, Mujahid claimed that airstrikes by Pakistani military forces on civilian areas in Paktika province are a “violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty."
“However, last night, Pakistani military forces once again conducted airstrikes on civilian areas in Paktika, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of a number of civilians. The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns, in the harshest terms, the repeated crimes of the Pakistani forces and the violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Such acts are deemed provocative and are viewed as deliberate attempts to prolong the conflict," he further wrote
He added, “While the Islamic Emirate reserves the right to respond to these violations, in order to maintain the dignity and integrity of its negotiating team, its forces have been instructed to refrain from undertaking new military operations at this time. We reiterate that Afghanistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution and regional stability. However, the ongoing incidents are entirely the result of aggression by the Pakistani side."
According to Tolo News, a Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik has arrived in Doha for the talks.
Local officials in Kandahar reported that around 20,000 families have fled Spin Boldak amid intense clashes, with many seeking refuge in desert areas lacking basic necessities.
Tolo News also said that at least six people, including two children, were killed and seven others injured in Pakistani airstrikes on Paktika province, which hit residential areas in Argun and Barmal districts, violating the recent ceasefire.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...
Read More
Location :
Kabul, Afghanistan
First Published:
October 18, 2025, 14:12 IST
News world 'Afghanistan Reserves Right To Respond': Taliban Warns Pakistan Ahead Of Doha Peace Talks
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
