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Islamabad – The negotiations between the Afghan Taliban regime and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have successfully concluded in Istanbul, marking a significant step toward strengthening the recently agreed ceasefire. The talks were held from October 25 to 30, 2025, at the request and mediation of Türkiye and Qatar, aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire established in Doha on October 18–19, 2025.
According to a joint statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, the discussions focused on consolidating peace efforts and developing frameworks for future cooperation. “All parties have agreed on the continuation of the ceasefire,” the statement read, adding that the further modalities of implementation will be discussed and decided in a principal-level meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025, in Istanbul.
It further noted that all sides have agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the maintenance of peace and impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement.
In a separate statement, the spokesperson of Taliban regime Zabehullah Mujahid reaffirmed the commitment of the Afghan interim government to diplomacy and mutual understanding as the foundation for resolving disputes. He emphasized that Afghanistan seeks positive relations with all neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, based on mutual respect, non-interference, and non-aggression. The Taliban regime described the Istanbul negotiations as “a complex process” that concluded with both sides agreeing to meet again to address remaining issues.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commended Türkiye’s hospitality and diplomatic efforts, noting that they played a pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue. It confirmed that all parties had agreed to maintain the ceasefire and finalize the implementation mechanism in the upcoming November 6 meeting.
The Istanbul talks, which began around 6 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on the opening day, mark the most concrete progress since tensions escalated earlier this year along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Talks centered on Pakistan’s core demand that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism and that verifiable action be taken against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Officials said Pakistan’s delegation stayed firm and evidence-based, while the Afghan side ultimately agreed to continue the Doha-based ceasefire under clear counter-terror guarantees. Both mediators, Türkiye and Qatar, reiterated their readiness to continue supporting the peace process between the two countries, emphasizing that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path toward long-term regional stability.
