Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have initiated their third round of talks in Istanbul today, aiming to reduce tensions following deadly clashes along the border last month. This meeting follows earlier discussions that produced a temporary ceasefire agreement.
The second round of talks, held from October 25 to October 31 in Istanbul, ended after Pakistan rejected the Taliban delegation’s arguments, which Islamabad deemed unreasonable, and raised concerns over cross-border terrorism. Mediators convinced Pakistan to continue the dialogue, leading to an agreement to maintain the ceasefire.
A joint statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry highlighted that both sides agreed to set up a monitoring and verification system to maintain peace and penalize violations.
Ahead of the current talks, Pakistan’s Defence Minister emphasized that Afghanistan must act responsibly to ensure regional peace, warning that futile discussions would be a waste of time. Similarly, DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif stated that Pakistan would respond firmly to any external aggression. He added that many cross-border terrorists, including Afghan nationals, had been neutralized and cited the role of opium cultivation in funding militancy. He also accused Afghan elements of providing shelter to Baloch militants and using civilians as human shields.
Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated since the Taliban assumed power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban to curb terrorist activities targeting its forces and civilians. Despite these appeals, the Taliban largely ignored Islamabad’s concerns and engaged in unprovoked border firing on October 12. Pakistan’s military retaliated, killing over 200 militants but losing 23 soldiers. Strikes inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul, targeted terrorist hideouts.
After a temporary ceasefire requested by the Taliban on October 17, both nations’ delegations later held talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar. The Istanbul meeting now marks the third round of efforts to stabilize the region.
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