ISTANBUL: The second phase of dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded in Istanbul after nearly nine hours of intense discussions.
According to insiders, Pakistan firmly dismissed Afghanistan’s proposal to move the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to another location, emphasizing instead that Kabul must fulfill its earlier pledge to take decisive action.
Officials familiar with the talks said deliberations centered on forming a joint mechanism to monitor cross-border militant activity and reduce trade obstacles. Both sides also examined options for establishing a broader, long-term political framework to strengthen bilateral ties.
The latest round of negotiations followed a ceasefire agreement brokered earlier in Doha. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that after 13 hours of talks, Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to a truce and the creation of a permanent peace and stability mechanism.
In its statement, Qatar said these steps are intended to “reinforce security and trust between the two brotherly Islamic nations” and to lay the groundwork for durable peace along the shared border.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the truce in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a milestone toward ending cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil.” He added that both nations had reaffirmed their commitment to respect each other’s sovereignty.
Asif also expressed appreciation to Qatar and Türkiye for their facilitation efforts, noting that another follow-up meeting is scheduled in Istanbul on October 25 to review implementation progress.
The first phase of talks was held in Doha under the supervision of Qatari Intelligence Chief Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. Pakistan’s delegation, led by Khawaja Asif and supported by senior security officials, met with an Afghan team headed by Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob.
