ISLAMABAD: Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a new diplomatic effort is set to unfold as both countries prepare for the next round of high-level talks in Istanbul. The meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, will be led by Pakistan’s intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and Afghanistan’s intelligence head Abdul Haq Wasiq.
Türkiye Steps in as Mediator
The Istanbul meeting will be hosted by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin. According to diplomatic insiders, the objective is to discuss border security, terrorism-related concerns, and confidence-building measures aimed at restoring trust and stability between Islamabad and Kabul.
Islamabad’s Core Concern
Pakistan maintains that Afghan soil must not be used as a haven for groups hostile to its security, particularly the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has repeatedly stressed that any progress in bilateral relations hinges on verifiable action by the Afghan interim government against such militant elements.
Recent Diplomatic Contacts
The intelligence-level dialogue follows recent phone communications between the two foreign ministers. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi contacted him multiple times following recent tensions, in what Dar described as the first substantial attempt at diplomatic re-engagement. However, the Afghan Foreign Ministry rejected claims of multiple calls, asserting that only one official conversation took place under mutual coordination.
A Critical Moment for Bilateral Relations
Analysts view the upcoming Istanbul talks as a potential turning point in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Türkiye’s mediation role is seen as pivotal in steering both sides toward a joint security framework that could reduce cross-border incidents and rebuild much-needed trust. If the talks succeed, they could pave the way for renewed cooperation and stability in a region long plagued by mistrust and militancy.
