Informal dialogue brings together former officials, experts and journalists to explore avenues for de-escalation
Meeting between Afghan and Pakistani delegations for informal talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, April 29. —
PESHAWAR/PAKISTAN:
Informal talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at easing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have begun in Istanbul, with Qatar and Turkey playing a facilitating role, sources said. The Express PK Press Club THURSDAY.
According to the participants, the first meeting was organized by a Turkish organization, which invited political figures, policy experts, journalists and former diplomats from both countries to take part 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, veteran journalist Hamid Mir and Senator Sitara Ayaz.
Sources close to the meeting said both sides agreed on the need to work towards de-escalation and reduction of tensions between the two countries. However, they added that the process still lacked a formal mandate, while Turkey and Qatar continued to support peace efforts.
Genel Başkanımız Avukat Bülent yıldırım’ın açılış konuşmasıyla, İnsani Diplomasi’den Sorumlu Yönetim Kurulu Üyemiz Abdullah Altay’ın coordinatörlüğünde Istanbul’da Afganistan et Pakistan’dan temsilcilerin katılımıyla Track 1.5 görüşmeleri basladı.
Vakfımızın… pic.twitter.com/EYw0epNJK5
– İHH (@ihhinsaniyardim) April 29, 2026
The discussions took place according to the “Track 1.5” format, involving former officials, experts and figures close to political circles. This framework allows informal exchanges on sensitive issues without binding diplomatic commitments.
According to the organizers, the aim of the dialogue was to address the root causes of tensions and explore practical ways to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
Sources further said that this is the fourth such initiative involving regional and international stakeholders, including engagements in China, Saudi Arabia, Doha and Istanbul.
They added that despite recent border skirmishes, the ceasefire situation remained intact and no major escalation had been reported through official channels.
