Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to begin shortly in the Qatari capital, Doha, according to a source in the Afghan government who spoke to Al Mayadeen.

The Afghan negotiating team will be led by the government's Defense Minister, Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid, and while there is no agreement yet to extend the ceasefire set to expire this evening, mediators are actively working to maintain calm along the border, the source clarified on Friday.

Talks will be held between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Qatari capital, Doha, a reliable source within the Taliban government confirmed to Al Mayadeen yesterday. A Taliban government delegation was set to depart for Doha to join the talks, which would include discussions on extending the ceasefire, the source added.

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This comes amid rising tensions as the ceasefire nears expiry and a suicide bombing hits Pakistani forces, inflicting several casualties among Pakistani troops.

A suicide bombing near Pakistan's northwestern border with Afghanistan on October 17 killed at least six Pakistani soldiers and six militants, as a temporary ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul was nearing its expiration. The attack targeted Khadi Fort, a key military outpost in North Waziristan, a region that has long been a hotbed of militant activity.

A militant drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the fort, sparking a fierce gun battle with security forces, according to Mir Ali police officer Meraj Khan.

"Security forces swiftly responded, repelling the attack and engaging the terrorists in a fierce battle. Sadly, six security personnel were martyred and over a dozen others sustained injuries," Khan said.