Pakistan and Afghan Taliban to meet in Istanbul

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

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

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 main-level meeting between the two sides, facilitated by Turkey 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 violent clashes along the borders caused 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 haven in Afghanistan and has repeatedly urged Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, in an informal briefing to journalists, warned that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and would “retaliate with full force”. “If Afghan soil is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the truce will be null and void,” he said, adding that Pakistan had shown restraint despite repeated provocations but would not tolerate further violations.

Learn more: Pakistan warns truce with Taliban will not hold if attacks persist

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

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

The Afghan side should, for its part, express its concerns regarding Pakistan’s airstrikes on 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 gaps” rather than blaming Afghanistan.

The upcoming talks will take place under the joint facilitation of Turkey and Qatar, both of which played a role in the recent Doha ceasefire agreement. Ankara and Doha are reportedly pushing for a long-term framework to avoid a complete breakdown in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which could destabilize the region as a whole.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove to be a watershed moment. Failure to reach agreement on anti-terrorism measures could lead to increased militarization of borders, closure of crossing points and disruption of trade between the two countries.

A senior Pakistani official said The Express PK Press Club that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric”. He added: “Pakistan’s position is simple…Afghan soil must not be used for attacks against Pakistan. If this commitment is not honored, all options are on the table.”