ISTANBUL:  The second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks began today in Istanbul, led by Najib Haqqani from Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), operating under the supervision of Sirajuddin Haqqani. The Afghan delegation also includes Suhail Shaheen, Anas Haqqani, and senior officials from Afghanistan’s Foreign and Defence Ministries.

 On Pakistan’s side, the delegation reportedly includes two senior military representatives whose names have not been disclosed, underscoring the sensitive nature of the dialogue.

The talks follow the first round held in Doha under the joint mediation of Qatar and Türkiye, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement that both sides have so far upheld. Despite the truce, however, major trade routes, including Torkham, Spin Boldak, North and South Waziristan, and Kurram, have remained closed for the past 14 days, causing significant disruption to cross-border trade and transport.

From Ceasefire to Concrete Mechanisms

Pakistan aims to secure a verifiable monitoring framework to ensure the Afghan Taliban takes measurable action against cross-border terrorism and militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has called for a permanent and transparent mechanism for intelligence-sharing, monitoring of militant movements, and oversight of ceasefire violations.

The Istanbul meeting follows the October 18–19 Doha talks, where Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on a permanent ceasefire after Islamabad launched targeted strikes against Gul Bahadur group camps inside Afghanistan. The new round in Istanbul seeks to move beyond temporary calm and establish enforceable, data-backed mechanisms for peace and security along the Durand Line.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that Islamabad expects a “concrete and verifiable” monitoring system to address terrorism originating from Afghan soil. He reaffirmed that Pakistan is participating in the Istanbul round with the same sincerity of purpose and intent demonstrated in Doha, emphasizing that lasting peace requires accountability and mutual trust.

Kabul’s Delegation and Türkiye’s Role

Afghan interim administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the meeting in Istanbul, stating that discussions will address the remaining disputes with Pakistan. He noted that the delegation led by Najib Haqqani includes representatives from the GDI, the Foreign Ministry, and the Defence Ministry.

Turkish officials have indicated that a technical committee in Istanbul will oversee details related to ceasefire implementation, border management, and counterterrorism coordination. Türkiye’s mediation role is viewed as critical given its deep counterterrorism experience and long-standing cooperation with both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Analysts believe the Istanbul meeting will define operational terms for counterterrorism cooperation, including intelligence-sharing, timelines for action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and verification mechanisms for ceasefire compliance.

The Road Ahead

Pakistan is expected to demand the dismantling of TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan, the arrest or expulsion of key figures, and concrete measures to stop cross-border attacks. Islamabad also supports forming a third-party oversight structure, potentially co-chaired by Türkiye and Qatar, to verify compliance and mediate in case of disputes.

While the continuation of the ceasefire since Doha has raised cautious optimism, experts warn that technical agreements alone may not address deeper structural tensions. International Crisis Group analyst Ibraheem Bahiss said that while the Istanbul meeting may formalize mechanisms, it is uncertain whether it will resolve the core causes of recurring violence.

Nonetheless, the Istanbul round marks a crucial step toward institutionalizing peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Turkiye serving as a trusted mediator bridging decades of mistrust and border insecurity.

Also See: The Durand Border