RAWALPINDI: Diplomatic negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are approaching their concluding phase, with Islamabad intensifying efforts to resolve issues related to terrorism. The talks, held in Istanbul under Turkish mediation, are viewed as a critical step in addressing border security and militancy concerns, sources familiar with the process have reported.
The discussions, which extended over several hours in Turkey’s capital, focused on finding common ground to combat terrorism originating from Afghan soil. However, sources indicate that the Afghan Taliban delegation has repeatedly shifted its position, primarily due to directives received from Kabul, adding complexity to the negotiations.
An official disclosed that Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in an 18-hour dialogue on Monday, and the process is now in its final stages. While the Afghan Taliban acknowledged Pakistan’s calls for action against militant groups operating within Afghanistan, they continued to modify their stance based on instructions from Kabul. The two sides had previously agreed to a ceasefire brokered in Doha on October 19, but subsequent negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, failed to secure a consensus, according to Reuters reports.
A Pakistani security official highlighted that the Taliban have shown reluctance to take decisive action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continues to operate with impunity inside Afghanistan. The third day of talks was reportedly marred by disagreements, with Pakistan insisting on its proposals, while the Afghan delegation appeared constrained by Kabul’s directives.
Mediators acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns as valid and justified. Sources also revealed that Afghan negotiators believed Islamabad’s counterterrorism demands were reasonable. However, the Afghan Taliban delegation was under strict control from Kabul, often seeking guidance from the Afghan administration, which has contributed to delays in progress.
Pakistan maintains that accepting its demands is vital for regional stability, a message reiterated by Turkey and Qatar during the negotiations. The tension between the two countries has escalated amid the Afghan Taliban’s hesitance to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan, especially following recent terror attacks in Pakistan.
On October 12, clashes erupted when Taliban forces and India-backed TTP militants launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani territory. Pakistan responded with a decisive military operation, reportedly killing over 200 militants and Taliban fighters. The Pakistani military’s media wing, ISPR, confirmed that 23 soldiers lost their lives during these confrontations.
Additionally, Pakistani security forces conducted targeted operations in Kandahar, Kabul, and border areas of North and South Waziristan, successfully destroying militant hideouts in retaliation. Despite these setbacks, both nations had previously agreed on a temporary ceasefire during the Doha talks and committed to ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a sustainable peace mechanism.
