Track 1.5 dialogue in Istanbul seeks to ease tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan

PESHAWAR/PAKISTAN:

Informal talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at reducing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have begun in Istanbul, with Qatar and Turkiye playing a facilitating role, sources said. The express PAkGazette on Thursday.

According to participants, the first meeting was organized by a Turkish organization, which invited political figures, policy experts, journalists and former diplomats from both countries to participate in the discussions.

The Afghan delegation included former diplomat Atif Mashal, Obaidullah Bahir (grandson of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar), Jafar Mahdavi and Ghuncha Gul. Pakistan was represented by former special envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani, former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, journalist Hamid Mir and senator Sitara Ayaz.

Sources familiar with the meeting said both sides agreed on the need to work to reduce tensions between the two countries. However, they added that the process still lacked a formal mandate, while Turkiye and Qatar continued to support peace efforts.

The discussions were carried out under a “Track 1.5” format, in which former officials, experts and people close to policymaking circles participated. This framework allows for informal exchanges on sensitive issues without binding diplomatic commitments.

According to the organizers, the dialogue focused on addressing the root causes of tensions and exploring practical ways to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

Sources further said that this was the fourth such initiative involving regional and international stakeholders, including engagements in China, Saudi Arabia, Doha and Istanbul.

They added that despite the recent border skirmishes, the ceasefire situation remained intact and no major escalation was reported through official channels.