ISTANBUL: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime are set to resume crucial peace talks in Istanbul today (Thursday), amid heightened border tensions following last month’s deadly clashes that left dozens dead on both sides.
The talks hosted by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) under the leadership of Ibrahim Kalin aim to stabilize deteriorating relations and ensure the continuation of a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in late October.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan’s delegation is led by the intelligence chief, while the Afghan side is represented by senior officials from Kabul’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI).
From Collapse to Ceasefire
This latest meeting follows an earlier five-day negotiation round in Istanbul, which initially collapsed on October 25 when Pakistan rejected what it described as the Taliban delegation’s “illogical arguments” and unwillingness to address Islamabad’s concerns over cross-border terrorism.
However, after mediation efforts by Turkish officials, both sides agreed to resume dialogue, which eventually resulted in a temporary ceasefire and a monitoring mechanism to oversee violations.
A joint statement released by Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry at the time confirmed that “all parties agreed to maintain the ceasefire and establish a verification mechanism to penalize any violators.”
Pakistan’s Firm Stance on Security Concerns
Speaking to journalists earlier this week, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Islamabad remains open to dialogue but will not compromise on national security.
“Afghanistan should act wisely for peace in the region,” he warned, adding that “if there is no progress, then talks become a waste of time.”
Meanwhile, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, in a recent informal briefing, reaffirmed that Pakistan’s response to any external aggression would be “firm and severe.”
He also presented evidence of Afghan nationals’ involvement in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. He accused elements in Afghanistan of providing sanctuaries to militants from Balochistan and using civilians as human shields.
Rising Cross-Border Threats
Since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, many of which Islamabad attributes to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil.
Despite repeated requests from Pakistan, the Taliban regime has failed to take concrete action against such groups, leading to increasing frustration in Islamabad.
Last month’s October 12 border clashes marked one of the deadliest escalations since 2021, when the Pakistan Armed Forces retaliated against Taliban fire, killing over 200 militants but also suffering 23 soldiers martyred. Pakistan subsequently carried out precision strikes inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul, targeting terrorist hideouts linked to TTP and other banned outfits.
Türkiye’s Mediation Role
Following a temporary ceasefire on October 17, Qatar hosted a round of preliminary talks in Doha, which paved the way for Türkiye to take on a mediating role for the second Istanbul round, held from October 25 to 31.
The current phase of negotiations in Istanbul is viewed as a decisive moment in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as both sides weigh the possibility of establishing a permanent monitoring mechanism to prevent future skirmishes.
Regional observers believe Türkiye’s continued mediation may help bridge mutual distrust and open channels for long-term cooperation on border management and counterterrorism.
If successful, the Istanbul talks could mark a step toward stabilizing one of South Asia’s most volatile borders and reviving a fragile diplomatic relationship central to regional peace and security.
