Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to uphold ceasefire after Istanbul talks

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to continue observing a ceasefire following a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, according to a statement issued by Turkiye’s foreign ministry. Mediators Turkiye and Qatar said implementation details will now move to a principal-level meeting in Istanbul on November 6 and that a joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be created to document violations and penalise offenders.

In Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the development, saying the Taliban administration must ensure Afghan soil is not used for attacks on Pakistan and that penalties for any breach will be part of the framework. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry cautioned Kabul against becoming a proxy for India and called the extension of the truce a win for Pakistan’s stance.

The Istanbul sitting followed meetings held October 25–30 to consolidate the understanding reached in Doha on October 18–19. Pakistan had briefly paused engagement after complaining of “illogical” positions from the Taliban side but returned to the table at the mediators’ request.

The talks come amid months of tension and border skirmishes. Islamabad has pressed Kabul to act against the TTP and other groups it says operate from Afghan sanctuaries. Officials say the new mechanism will give Pakistan a forum to present evidence of cross-border terrorism, while decisions on reopening border crossings will be taken later.