ISLAMABAD (Nov 6): Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are set to resume peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, with the aim of addressing cross-border terrorism and preventing another round of deadly clashes, officials said.
The meeting comes amid tensions following border clashes on October 11, which left 23 Pakistani soldiers dead and, according to Islamabad, 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 110 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operatives killed.
A ceasefire was brokered on October 15, later extended during two rounds of negotiations — first in Doha on October 19, and then in Istanbul on October 25. The truce continues to hold, though both sides have traded sharp words in recent days through official statements and social media.
Officials familiar with the talks said the Istanbul round would focus on preventing cross-border attacks, restoring trade, and establishing a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure ceasefire compliance.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated sharply over Pakistan’s repeated accusations that TTP militants are using Afghan territory to launch attacks. The Taliban government denies the charge, insisting it does not allow any group to use its soil against neighbours.
Diplomatic observers say that Turkey and Qatar, which have mediated the ongoing dialogue, are expected to play a key role in ensuring that both sides maintain restraint and avoid further military escalation.