Pakistani diplomats and an Afghan Taliban delegation led by Zabihullah Mujahid convened on the sidelines of the Doha-III conference.

The discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and addressing regional concerns, following Islamabad's recent announcement of a counter-terrorism operation targeting Afghanistan-based militants.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Qatar, Muhammad Aejaz, highlighted the mutual desire for regional peace and security, underscoring the strong, albeit strained, ties between the two South Asian neighbors.

Relations have been particularly tense due to cross-border attacks attributed to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistani security officials allege operates from Afghan territory.

The Afghan delegation, currently in Doha to enhance international engagement and coordinate responses to Afghanistan's challenges, including economic and counter-narcotics efforts, is slated to meet with UN officials and over 20 envoys, including the US special representative to Afghanistan.

The meeting saw Pakistani Ambassador Aejaz hosting a dinner for the Afghan Taliban representatives, with key figures such as Pakistan's Special Representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, and the Deputy Head of Mission in Kabul, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, in attendance. Durrani shared images of the gathering on X (formerly Twitter), expressing a warm reception and a productive discussion on the conference's developments and regional issues.

Aejaz's reaction on X echoed a sentiment of camaraderie, stating, "Both remain neighbors and brothers and have a lot in common, including a strong desire for regional peace and security."

Diplomatic sources described the meeting as "unusual" but positive, noting that the Taliban representatives also engaged with an Indian delegation in Doha. The Afghan interim government expressed gratitude to Islamabad for its support during the conference and on a national level.

Mujahid took to the microblogging platform to commend the meeting, stating, "We had a very good evening meeting with Pakistan's special representative Asif Durrani, the ambassador, and consuls in Doha. We thank them for their hospitality and hope for good and constructive relations for both countries."

This high-level diplomatic interaction comes as Pakistan launches Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a renewed national counter-terrorism initiative aimed at eradicating terrorism. Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif recently criticized the Afghan government for its lack of action against militants near the border and hinted at potential cross-border strikes under the new operation. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the operation would not involve large-scale military actions or population displacement.

Previously, Pakistan conducted intelligence-based operations in Afghanistan against terrorists from the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for multiple attacks in Pakistan. The Afghan interim government responded strongly to these "air strikes," asserting its stance against any compromise of security using Afghan territory.