Pakistan, Afghan officials meet in Istanbul for third-round talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan began a third round of discussions in Istanbul on Monday following recent cross-border clashes. Security sources said earlier meetings yielded no breakthrough despite a Doha- and Türkiye-brokered ceasefire.

Islamabad alleges that Taliban forces and affiliated militants carried out unprovoked firing along the frontier this month, prompting Pakistani retaliation. Officials say multiple attacks on border posts were repelled, with more than 200 militants killed, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred during the exchanges. Pakistan also conducted what it called precision strikes against strongholds in Kandahar and Kabul.

The government has pressed the Taliban administration to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil and warned that providing sanctuary to militants targeting Pakistan will not be tolerated. Sources describe the Taliban’s arguments in previous rounds as illogical and detached from realities on the ground, while Türkiye continues shuttle diplomacy to narrow gaps.

According to the sources, progress now hinges on the Taliban showing seriousness and engaging in good faith. Pakistan has tabled what it terms its final position, insisting that future ties depend on verifiable steps against groups it accuses of attacking its security forces.