ISTANBUL — Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban resumed peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, marking the third round of high-stakes negotiations after earlier rounds failed to deliver a lasting truce. The discussions are being jointly mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, who have played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.
During his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan’s delegation presented an evidence-based and logical stance focused solely on ending cross-border terrorism.
“Pakistan’s delegation has presented its justified and factual demands to the mediators, aiming to halt cross-border terrorism. The mediators have fully endorsed our stance based on international law and solid evidence,” Andrabi said.
He further revealed that mediators were now discussing Pakistan’s demands point by point with the Afghan Taliban delegation, ensuring a structured dialogue process.
Mediators Support Evidence-Based Demands
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s evidence includes verified intelligence linking militant elements operating from Afghan soil to recent border attacks. The mediators reportedly recognized the validity and urgency of Islamabad’s concerns, emphasizing adherence to international peacekeeping norms.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions escalated in October 2025, when Afghan forces allegedly launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border positions during the night of October 11–12. Although both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Doha on October 19, the second round of talks last week in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough.
The primary deadlock persists over the Afghan Taliban’s unwillingness to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group accused of orchestrating multiple terror attacks inside Pakistan.
Media Advisory and Disinformation Alert
Ambassador Andrabi also cautioned journalists against misleading or speculative social media content, particularly from Afghan-linked accounts, labeling them as part of a deliberate disinformation campaign.
Outlook
The Istanbul round marks a crucial test for regional diplomacy. Pakistan remains committed to achieving a peaceful, verifiable, and cooperative security mechanism with Afghanistan, backed by credible mediation from Turkiye and Qatar.
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