Assalamu alaikum - Pakistan and Afghanistan hold second day of talks in Istanbul aiming to ease tensions
Assalamu alaikum. The second day of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan is continuing in Istanbul, with both sides working to strengthen a fragile truce. According to reports, discussions are centered on a three-point plan that includes creating a joint monitoring and oversight body to reduce cross-border militant movement.
These talks, which began on Saturday and went into Sunday, are another effort to avoid a return to the heavy fighting seen earlier this month - the worst along the border since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. Earlier clashes followed Islamabad’s calls for the Afghan authorities to act against militants who Pakistan says are attacking from sanctuaries across the border; Kabul has denied those claims.
Airstrikes and exchanges of heavy fire earlier this month killed dozens and led to the closure of important border crossings. Mediation by Qatar and Türkiye helped bring about a ceasefire last week, and both sides agreed to meet in Istanbul on Oct. 25 to try to keep the peace.
State-run Pakistani media, citing intelligence sources, said the negotiations on Saturday lasted about nine hours and focused on: forming a joint monitoring mechanism to curb militant movement; respecting national sovereignty under existing laws and international commitments; and addressing trade, refugee returns, and keeping broader bilateral issues separate from internal political pressures.
The Afghan team is reported to be led by the deputy interior minister, Hajji Najib. Pakistan has not publicly detailed its delegation. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to open conflict, though he also said he believed the other side wanted peace.
Pakistan has seen an uptick in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the Afghan border, since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been responsible for many deadly attacks on civilians and security forces over the years. Islamabad says it will continue military operations in affected areas and is not willing to negotiate with TTP militants unless they lay down arms.
May Allah grant peace and protect innocent lives on both sides of the border. Please keep those affected in your duas.
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