Pakistan–Afghanistan talks reach final round amid security rift
“Istanbul talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a decisive stage.”
Key points
- Istanbul talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a decisive stage.
- Sources say Kabul’s delegation acknowledges concerns but has shifted positions.
- Mediators from Turkiye and Qatar are pressing for concrete counterterror steps.
- A Doha-brokered ceasefire on October 19 set the stage, but major gaps remain.
Pakistan’s engagement with Afghanistan to address cross-border militancy has moved into what sources described as a final round in Istanbul, with mediators urging progress after marathon sessions. Officials briefed on the talks said the Afghan Taliban delegation acknowledged Islamabad’s concerns over militants operating from Afghan soil, but repeatedly shifted positions after consultations with Kabul.
The negotiations, mediated by Turkiye with support from Qatar, followed a temporary ceasefire agreed in Doha on October 19. Despite the pause in hostilities, sticking points remain over firm commitments to curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups accused of staging attacks inside Pakistan.
Security officials said Pakistan has stressed that accepting its counterterrorism demands is in the interest of both sides, a position mediators have described as reasonable. The sources added that the dialogue has stretched into lengthy, late-night rounds as delegations seek a workable framework to prevent further escalations along the border.
The talks come amid heightened tensions following earlier clashes and retaliatory strikes. Islamabad has maintained that lasting stability requires verifiable action against designated militants and a mechanism to prevent cross-border infiltration.
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