TURKEY: The third and most crucial round of negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul has entered its final stretch, with both sides said to be nearing a landmark 10-point “Istanbul Agreement.” According to sources within HTN, the accord could be announced as early as this evening, following 13 hours of intense discussion that concluded late last night.
Disputes Over TTP and BLA Clauses
While consensus was reached on most provisions, the Taliban delegation remains reluctant to endorse clauses explicitly mentioning the dismantling of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The Afghan side has argued that such wording could be interpreted as conceding to Pakistan’s narrative, insisting that mutual trust must precede any written commitments.
Framework for Joint Security Mechanism
HTN’s sources reveal that the draft includes a comprehensive security framework ensuring that Afghan territory will not be used for militant activity against Pakistan. The agreement proposes a joint intelligence coordination cell consisting of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Turkey. Both Qatar and Turkey will act as guarantor states, monitoring compliance and mediating disputes between Islamabad and Kabul.
Pakistan’s Firm Position
A senior Pakistani official involved in the talks told HTN that Islamabad has conveyed a clear message: no written guarantees mean no deal. The official emphasized that Pakistan requires binding assurances from Kabul to prevent cross-border attacks and to restore confidence in bilateral relations strained by years of militant infiltration.
Awaiting Official Announcement
Sources confirmed that the final announcement will only be made once the Taliban delegation agrees to Pakistan’s demand for written assurances. If finalized, the Istanbul Agreement could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough in regional counterterrorism cooperation and reshape the security dynamics along the Pak-Afghan border.
