Second Round of Afghan-Pakistan Security Talks Commences in Turkey

ISTANBUL – A second and critical round of high-level security negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani officials began on Saturday in Istanbul, building upon a ceasefire framework established in Doha just days earlier, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The talks, which include international mediators, are seen as a pivotal test for de-escalating cross-border tensions that have recently flared into airstrikes and accusations of militant safe havens.

Key Taliban Proposals and Pakistani Stance

After an intensive 15-hour session, Taliban negotiators submitted a final draft proposal to their Pakistani counterparts. The document, as described to sources, outlines several key demands from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA):

• Respect for Sovereignty: A central call for Pakistan to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, including an immediate halt to violations of its airspace and land. This point directly addresses recent Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory.

• Curbing Militant Activity: The draft urges Islamabad to prevent anti-Taliban militants, such as those from the National Resistance Front, from operating from Pakistani soil.

• Monitoring Mechanism: The proposal includes the establishment of a four-party mechanism to monitor ceasefire breaches and facilitate intelligence sharing to prevent renewed border clashes.

The Afghan delegation in Istanbul is led by Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs, Haji Rahmatullah Najib. His arrival followed the confirmation by Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid that a “complete and meaningful ceasefire” had been agreed upon with Pakistan during talks in Doha.

In contrast, Pakistan’s central demand remains a non-negotiable pillar of its position. Islamabad insists that the negotiations must focus on the Taliban-led government in Kabul taking “irreversible action” against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups responsible for cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces. Pakistan has conducted multiple airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Khost and Kunar provinces in recent weeks, asserting that TTP militants use these areas as sanctuaries.

Broader Agenda and Regional Implications

Beyond immediate security concerns, a reliable source indicated that the agenda in Turkey is expected to be wide-ranging. Key topics likely include:

• Establishing a joint monitoring mechanism to prevent hostile acts.

• Addressing the root causes of Pakistan’s security issues over the past two decades.

• Removing obstacles to bilateral trade and transit.

• Resolving the contentious issue of the forcible expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

• Ending the arbitrary closure of key border crossings, ensuring they are not used as a political tool.

Analysts observing the process say the Istanbul round represents a crucial juncture. The outcome is expected to determine the viability of the ceasefire framework established under the broader Doha peace process. Escalating violence not only risks a wider bilateral conflict but also threatens to further destabilize the region and disrupt the lives of millions in border communities.

The presence of international mediators in Istanbul underscores the global concern over the stability of the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier and the international community’s interest in seeing the two neighbors reach a durable security understanding.

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