On 19 October 2025, the Government of Qatar issued a statement from Doha announcing that negotiations between Pakistan and Taliban had reached a ceasefire agreement.

The agreement has been reached between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Emirate of Afghanistan (DE FACTO GOVERNMENT of AFGHANISTAN) that came into effect by deception through Doha Agreement and the country was taken by forced over at gun point, which has no legitimacy in the eyes of Afghans. 

While we appreciate Qatar’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and dialogue between Pakistan and Taliban, we strongly object to the language used at the end of the statement, which referred to “tensions on the border between the two brotherly countries.”

We respectfully remind the Government of Qatar that Afghanistan has never officially recognised the Durand Line as an international border. Referring to it as a “border” is historically, politically, and diplomatically inaccurate. Such terminology undermines Afghanistan’s long-standing and consistent position on this sensitive issue and may inadvertently legitimise a disputed demarcation that remains unresolved between the two countries.

We as Afghan citizens, therefore urge the Government of Qatar to withdraw or amend the statement immediately, replacing the term “border” with “Durand Line” or a more neutral phrasing that accurately reflects the situation.

We call upon Qatar — a respected mediator and advocate for peace in the region — to uphold neutrality and precision in its diplomatic communications, ensuring that its words contribute to understanding, not misunderstanding, between the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Qamar Zaman Jabarkhil,
Concerned Afghan citizen and supporters of peace.