Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to meet in Istanbul for new round of border truce talks

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime are holding another round of peace talks in Istanbul today, seeking to defuse tensions that have simmered since last month’s deadly border clashes.

The dialogue comes days after the two sides, under Turkish mediation, reached a temporary understanding to uphold a ceasefire. The first series of discussions, which took place from October 25 to 31, had ended abruptly when Pakistan walked out, terming the Taliban delegation’s stance on cross-border terrorism “unacceptable.” Mediators later convinced Islamabad to return to the table, leading to a brief breakthrough.

Focus on ceasefire and verification

According to a joint statement from Turkiye’s foreign ministry after the earlier round, both sides agreed to continue the ceasefire and establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure accountability for any violations. Officials familiar with the matter say the current meeting aims to turn that interim understanding into a lasting arrangement.

A day before the talks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that a Pakistani delegation had departed for Istanbul. He said Afghanistan must “act wisely” to maintain regional peace, warning that negotiations would be meaningless without genuine progress.

The military has also maintained a firm stance. Earlier this week, DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif told journalists that any external aggression against Pakistan would invite a “strong and immediate” response. He added that several cross-border militants, many identified as Afghan nationals, had been neutralised in recent operations.

Ties between Islamabad and Kabul have been strained since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan accuses the Afghan regime of harbouring militants responsible for deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while Kabul denies involvement.

For now, the Istanbul talks represent another attempt to keep the uneasy peace alive, though officials admit that real progress will depend on mutual trust and concrete action against militants.