Pakistan-Afghanistan Prepare For Second Round Of Talks In Türkiye
Officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Türkiye, for a second round of border-security talks aimed at curbing escalating cross-border violence. The session follows an earlier cease-fire agreement brokered by Doha on October 19 that both sides pledged to honour. The focus now is on establishing a joint monitoring mechanism to prevent militant incursions and attacks from Afghan soil.
Focus On Border Monitoring And Terror-Financing
In Islamabad, the Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a “concrete and verifiable” mechanism that halts terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Afghan officials have also confirmed their participation in the talks. The closure of key trade crossings and a recent spike in militant attacks on both sides add urgency to the dialogue.
Stakes For Regional Stability
This round of talks comes after weeks of lethal skirmishes along the nearly 2,611-kilometre border, which disrupted civilian life and trade. Both nations face international pressure to de-escalate. For Pakistan, the demand is for Afghan action against the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups; for Afghanistan, preserving sovereignty and avoiding further conflict is key. The Türkiye-hosted dialogue is being closely watched as a test of diplomatic initiative in a region where dialogue has struggled to replace military responses.
