Istanbul, Turkey — The final phase of tense negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at addressing terrorism linked to Afghan soil is currently underway in Istanbul, with both sides holding extensive discussions under the mediation of Turkiye. The talks, which have spanned several days, are crucial as Pakistan seeks a concrete commitment from the Taliban to combat terrorist activities emanating from Afghanistan.
The Pakistani delegation, along with mediators from Turkiye, has urged the Taliban government to take stronger action against militant groups operating within Afghan territory. Despite initial reluctance, the Afghan delegation has acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism but has repeatedly shifted its position, with changes reportedly driven by instructions from Kabul, sources familiar with the negotiations said on Tuesday.
The two delegations held a marathon 18-hour round of talks on Monday, with the discussions now entering their final stages. However, according to sources, the Taliban’s negotiating team in Istanbul continues to be constrained by directives from Kabul, complicating the path toward a resolution.
Despite these setbacks, the Taliban delegation has recognized the legitimacy of Pakistan’s demands to tackle the threat posed by groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates with apparent impunity in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban has not yet committed to decisive action, frustrating Pakistani officials.
Earlier ceasefire agreements brokered in Doha on October 19 brought a temporary halt to hostilities, but the two sides have struggled to establish a lasting mechanism to address long-standing security concerns. The Doha ceasefire was aimed at reducing violence, but subsequent talks in Istanbul have revealed stark differences over key issues, especially regarding the TTP’s operations in Afghanistan.
Pakistani security sources have expressed frustration with the Taliban’s unwillingness to rein in the TTP, a major source of terrorism in Pakistan. The delegation from Afghanistan has been accused of frequently consulting Kabul during the negotiations, which has hindered progress, according to Pakistani sources.
Adding to the urgency of the talks, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated following violent clashes earlier this month. On October 12, a coordinated attack involving Taliban forces and TTP militants targeted Pakistan, prompting a swift and forceful military response. In self-defense, Pakistan’s Armed Forces killed over 200 militants and Afghan Taliban fighters, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred in the confrontation.
Pakistan also launched precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and the capital, Kabul, as well as in the border regions of North and South Waziristan, destroying several militant strongholds. This retaliatory action underscored the mounting urgency for a resolution to the ongoing security threats.
Both sides are under intense pressure to reach an agreement. Pakistan maintains that addressing its security concerns is not just in its national interest, but crucial for the stability of the region. The host countries, Turkiye and Qatar, have also emphasized the importance of finding a lasting solution to ensure peace between the two neighbors.
As the talks move into their final round, both Pakistan and Afghanistan face the difficult task of overcoming deep-rooted mistrust and reaching an agreement that addresses the growing threat of terrorism.
