Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that a high-level delegation from Türkiye will visit Pakistan next week to hold consultations on negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire with the Afghan Taliban. According to President Erdoğan, the delegation will include Türkiye’s foreign minister, defence minister, and intelligence chief. He said the purpose of the visit is to finalize practical measures for achieving a permanent ceasefire and establishing lasting peace in the region.
The Turkish diplomatic initiative comes at a time of heightened tension between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. In a parallel development, Iran has also offered to mediate between the two sides to ease the situation.
According to Iranian media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar by phone, offering Iran’s assistance in reducing tensions and facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Araghchi expressed concern over the growing strain between the two and emphasized that both sides should continue negotiations to resolve misunderstandings and differences.
Diplomatic sources said that during the Istanbul talks, several neutral countries expressed support for Pakistan’s stance, underscoring Islamabad’s consistent call for regional peace and counterterrorism cooperation.
The Iranian foreign minister stressed that dialogue is essential for regional stability and reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to extend every possible cooperation. During the call, Ishaq Dar reiterated that regional peace and stability remain a top priority for Pakistan. Both foreign ministers agreed to maintain regular contact and consultations on the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm stance, stating that the country “will not compromise on its national security under any circumstances.” The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s sole demand is that Afghan soil must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
Adopting a clear position, the spokesperson said, “There will be no negotiations with the mischief of Hindustan or the menace of Kharijites.”
The spokesperson further noted that Pakistan has been engaged with the Afghan Taliban regime for the past four years and has demonstrated serious commitment to the negotiation process. However, instead of addressing the core issue, the Taliban shifted the discussion toward irrelevant matters and portrayed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue as one of refugees.
“If they are truly refugees, they should return through the Chaman or Torkham border crossings,” the spokesperson asserted. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan appreciates the mediation efforts of Qatar and Türkiye. However, the Taliban government has neither taken action against terrorist groups nor addressed Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border attacks.
The spokesperson concluded that while the Taliban administration seeks only an extension of the ceasefire, Pakistan remains committed to ensuring lasting peace in the region and will not compromise on its defence or security interests.
