“Talks between Pakistan and the Taliban government, organized by Turkey, lasted nine hours”
Saudi Arabia on Sunday welcomed the announcement of an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Source: x.com/arabnews
Pakistan presented Afghanistan with a detailed plan to eliminate terrorism emanating from its territory during the second round of bilateral talks in Istanbul.
The talks between Pakistan and the Taliban government, hosted by Turkey, lasted nine hours, according to sources.
The seven-member Pakistani delegation took part in the talks and reiterated Islamabad’s demand to dismantle terrorist and training camps in Afghanistan, Express News reported.
During the meeting, Pakistan presented a detailed draft proposal, which the Taliban authorities are currently reviewing. Pakistan also reaffirmed its strong stance against extremist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij and other militant organizations.
Sources familiar with the matter said the negotiations aim to build consensus on mechanisms that would help address cross-border security challenges and prevent terrorist activities. Further deliberations are expected to take place over the next two days, as the two sides seek common ground on key security issues.
Asif warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that he believed Afghanistan wanted peace. However, the failure of negotiations in Istanbul would mean “open war”, days after the two sides agreed on a ceasefire following deadly border clashes.
Read: Pakistan presents tough stance on cross-border terrorism at Istanbul talks
He said there had been no incidents in the four to five days since the agreement and that both sides were respecting the truce.
“We have the possibility, if no agreement is reached, to enter into open war with them,” he said in a televised address from Pakistan. “But I saw that they wanted peace.”
Doha talks
The Istanbul dialogues follow Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing to an immediate ceasefire at the Doha talks, after a week of intense border clashes – the worst since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021.
The ceasefire “has been finalized,” Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on X last Sunday, saying the two sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed issues.”
Learn more: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire during Doha talks
Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the negotiations were led by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.
Pakistani officials have raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, particularly singling out groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad says these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents in Pakistan in recent months.
Sources close to the negotiations said Pakistan was presenting a “single-point agenda” focused on dismantling terrorist networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organizations and their hideouts,” sources said.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties had agreed to a comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire.
Tensions escalate after unprovoked shooting by Afghan Taliban regime
Also read: Explained: Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict
Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated on October 12, when clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban regime opened unprovoked fire on several locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, provoking a swift and forceful response from the Pakistani army, which destroyed several Afghan posts and killed civilians. dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants.
The coordinated assault began in several key areas including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baramcha in Balochistan. According to security sources, the firing was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij – the state term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – into Pakistani territory.
“The Pakistani army reacted immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counter-offensive effectively targeted and destroyed several Afghan posts on the border. Dozens of Afghan and Khwarij soldiers were killed in retaliatory fire.”
