Pakistan, Afghanistan Back at Negotiating Table in Istanbul to Ease Border Tensions
Diplomats from Pakistan and Afghanistan resume peace talks in Istanbul
Pakistan and Afghanistan are preparing to restart long-stalled peace negotiations in Istanbul after their dialogue collapsed earlier this week, officials in both nations confirmed Thursday. The talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aim to de-escalate escalating border tensions that have already claimed dozens of lives in recent clashes. The renewed diplomatic effort follows weeks of cross-border violence and mutual accusations over deadly strikes and militant activity.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif told Geo News that Islamabad decided to extend its stay in Istanbul following requests from Turkey and Qatar to give peace “another chance.” He emphasized that Pakistan’s top demand remains clear—Afghanistan must take verifiable action against militant groups allegedly operating from its territory. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s state broadcaster RTA reported that the Taliban government has agreed to resume the discussions under Turkish facilitation.
Despite the earlier breakdown, a ceasefire has broadly held across border regions, even as trade and humanitarian crossings remain sealed. Hundreds of trucks carrying goods and refugees have been stranded on both sides since the exchanges of fire earlier this month. Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously, reiterated that Islamabad expects “constructive measures” from Kabul to prevent militant infiltration and further loss of life.
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The fragile detente comes amid growing concern over the resurgence of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad claims is receiving shelter and support inside Afghanistan. The Pakistani military announced Thursday that it had killed 18 militants in Balochistan and four more, including a senior commander, in Bajaur near the Afghan border. In its statement, the military urged Kabul to act decisively to ensure Afghan territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan.
Tensions spiked earlier in October when Afghanistan accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in Kabul and eastern provinces, prompting Afghan retaliation that reportedly killed several Pakistani soldiers. Both nations have since faced mounting international pressure to scale back hostilities and engage in dialogue. The coming days in Istanbul will be critical in determining whether this new round of diplomacy can produce lasting stability between the two uneasy neighbors.
