Pakistan and Afghan Taliban to meet in Istanbul

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime are set to hold crucial talks in Istanbul amid heightened tensions following deadly border clashes and Pakistan’s growing frustration over continued cross-border attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The Pakistani delegation led by Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik reportedly left for Istanbul on Wednesday, according to sources. The Istanbul meeting is a continuation of earlier talks that lasted five days and salvaged a last-minute provisional agreement.

The Afghan delegation led by intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, also includes Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, and senior Taliban leaders Sohail Shaheen and Anas Haqqani, who are already in Istanbul. The top-level meeting between the two sides, facilitated by Turkiye and Qatar, will focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, border management and a mechanism to prevent further escalations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Last month’s intense clashes along the borders left several casualties on both sides and prompted Pakistan to close key crossings. In recent weeks, Pakistani security forces have stepped up operations against terrorists, many of whom Islamabad says continue to operate from Afghan soil. Pakistan maintains that TTP leaders enjoy safe havens inside Afghanistan and has repeatedly urged Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), warned in an informal briefing to journalists that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and “would be responded to with full force.” “If the soil of Afghanistan is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the truce will be null and void,” he said, adding that Pakistan had exercised restraint despite repeated provocations but would no longer tolerate violations.

Read more: Pakistan warns that truce with Taliban will not hold if attacks continue

According to army estimates, at least 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 110 TTP militants have been killed in recent border skirmishes. Pakistani officials also claim that a significant number of militants involved in attacks inside Pakistan were Afghan nationals.

Diplomatic sources said the Istanbul dialogue will focus on establishing a verifiable mechanism to prevent cross-border infiltration and share intelligence on militant movements. Pakistan will push for tangible measures against the TTP and the dismantling of its logistics and training camps inside Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Afghan side is expected to express concern over Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghan territory and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees. Kabul maintains it does not support cross-border attacks and has urged Islamabad to address “internal security failures” rather than blaming Afghanistan.

The upcoming talks will be held under the joint facilitation of Turkiye and Qatar, who played a role in the recent Doha ceasefire agreement. Ankara and Doha are reported to be pushing for a long-term framework to avoid a complete severing of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which could destabilize the entire region.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove a watershed moment. Failure to reach an agreement on counter-terrorism measures could lead to further militarization of borders, closure of crossings and disruption of trade between the two countries.

A senior Pakistani official said The express PAkGazette that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric.” He added: “Pakistan’s position is simple… Afghan soil should not be used for attacks against Pakistan. If that commitment is not respected, all options are on the table.”