Pakistan-Afghan talks have entered their crucial third round in Istanbul, Turkiye, today, aiming to de-escalate surging tensions between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban regime. The discussions come in the wake of last month’s deadly border clashes and ongoing concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.
This latest meeting follows a series of engagements designed to foster stability. The second round of Pakistan-Afghan talks, held in Istanbul from October 25 to 31, initially faltered. Pakistan had refused to proceed due to the Taliban delegation’s “illogical” arguments and their reluctance to address Islamabad’s terrorism concerns.
Addressing Cross-Border Concerns in Pakistan-Afghan Talks
However, mediators successfully persuaded Pakistan to re-engage, leading to an interim agreement to uphold a ceasefire. A joint statement from the Turkish foreign ministry at that time confirmed commitments to peace, including a monitoring and verification mechanism to penalize violations. SindhNews.com reported on the positive but fragile progress.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, before his departure for Istanbul, underscored the gravity of the situation. He urged Afghanistan to “act wisely for peace in the region,” cautioning that talks without progress would be a “waste of time.” This highlights Pakistan’s firm stance on achieving tangible results.
Islamabad’s concerns are rooted in mounting terror incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly called for the Taliban regime to rein in terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, DG ISPR, recently warned that any external aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “firm and severe” response. He presented evidence of Afghan nationals’ involvement in cross-border terrorism and cited widespread opium cultivation funding militancy. This briefing also accused elements in Afghanistan of providing militants with safe havens and using civilians as human shields.
The tensions dramatically escalated on October 12 with unprovoked firing along the border. The Pakistan Armed Forces retaliated, reportedly neutralizing over 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants, though 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred. Hostilities ceased after Pakistan accepted a request for a temporary ceasefire on October 17. A ceasefire agreement was subsequently signed in Doha on October 19 by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid.
These ongoing Pakistan-Afghan talks in Istanbul are critical. Their success hinges on the concrete measures adopted to address cross-border terrorism and ensure lasting peace, vital for regional stability.Third Round of Pak-Afghan Talks Kicks Off in Istanbul Amidst Tensions
Pak-Afghan talks have commenced their third pivotal round in Istanbul today, Thursday, bringing together delegations from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime. This latest session aims to de-escalate heightened tensions that followed deadly border clashes last month. The diplomatic engagement seeks to address pressing security concerns and establish a framework for regional stability.
This round follows earlier intensive negotiations. The second round, held in Istanbul from October 25 to 31, initially faltered when Pakistan reportedly rejected what it termed the Taliban delegation’s “illogical” arguments concerning cross-border terrorism. However, mediators successfully urged Pakistan to re-engage, leading to an interim agreement to uphold a ceasefire. A joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that all parties had committed to maintaining the ceasefire and establishing a monitoring and verification mechanism to penalize violations.
Addressing Cross-Border Terrorism via Pak-Afghan Talks
A core focus of these Pak-Afghan talks remains Pakistan’s persistent concerns over cross-border terrorism. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif emphasized the need for Afghanistan to “act wisely for peace in the region,” warning that talks without progress would be a “waste of time.” Earlier, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, DG ISPR, delivered a stern warning, stating that any external aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “firm and severe” response. Sindh