The second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government is underway in Istanbul, with senior military and civilian officials from both sides participating under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan has emphasized a single-point agenda during the discussions ensuring that Afghan soil is not used for any form of terrorism against Pakistan. The talks are focused on developing a verifiable and effective mechanism to curb the movement and activities of terrorist groups operating across the border.
Officials said that during the previous round of negotiations, both sides had reached an initial understanding on the framework for such a mechanism. The Afghan delegation includes Intelligence Chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, senior Taliban leader Anas Haqqani, and Afghanistan’s ambassador to Qatar, Suhail Shaheen. Pakistan’s delegation comprises senior military officials.
Sources noted that this phase of the Istanbul talks is considered particularly significant in reducing tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan interim regime and advancing cooperation on border security and counterterrorism. Türkiye and Qatar continue to play the role of mediators and guarantors to facilitate progress on this sensitive issue.
The talks come amid a recent ceasefire violation along the Chaman border, where elements from across Afghanistan opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani security forces responded swiftly and responsibly, bringing the situation under control.
Officials reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement and peaceful resolution of all outstanding security concerns through sustained dialogue and regional cooperation.
