Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have resumed peace negotiations in Istanbul today, aiming to defuse mounting tensions that have gripped the border region since last month’s deadly clashes. The meeting, officially titled Pakistan and Afghan Taliban Resume Istanbul Talks to Ease Border Tensions, follows Turkish-brokered efforts to restore calm between the two neighbours.
According to diplomatic sources, both sides are under pressure to translate recent understandings into a long-term framework. The first round of discussions, held from October 25 to 31, ended abruptly after Pakistan walked out, calling the Taliban’s stance on cross-border terrorism “unacceptable.” However, Turkish mediators persuaded Islamabad to return, which resulted in a temporary ceasefire agreement and renewed dialogue.
In a joint statement, Turkiye’s foreign ministry confirmed that Islamabad and Kabul had agreed to continue the ceasefire and establish a monitoring mechanism to verify any violations. The ongoing Istanbul session is expected to focus on turning that interim deal into a sustainable arrangement ensuring accountability and peace along the border.
Before the talks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that the Pakistani delegation had departed for Istanbul, emphasizing that Afghanistan must “act wisely” if it seeks to maintain regional stability. He warned that negotiations would be futile without genuine progress on counterterrorism commitments.
The Pakistani military has echoed a firm tone. DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif stated that any external aggression would draw a “strong and immediate” response. He noted that several militants, many identified as Afghan nationals, were recently eliminated in security operations.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained tense since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Pakistan continues to accuse the Afghan regime of sheltering groups responsible for deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, a claim Kabul consistently denies.
For now, Pakistan and Afghan Taliban Resume Istanbul Talks to Ease Border Tensions symbolizes another opportunity to preserve a fragile peace. Officials, however, caution that real progress will depend on mutual trust, sustained diplomacy, and concrete action against cross-border militancy.