ISTANBUL: Pakistan has agreed to resume talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul after Türkiye’s renewed mediation efforts, diplomatic sources told ARY News on Thursday. The move follows Islamabad’s earlier announcement that the previous round of talks had collapsed despite the involvement of mediators from Türkiye and Qatar.
Sources said Pakistan’s delegation, which had been preparing to return home, decided to extend its stay in Istanbul at Türkiye’s request to give peace “another chance.” Türkiye reportedly played a vital role in convincing both sides to continue dialogue aimed at reducing border tensions and restoring regional stability.
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The discussions are expected to center on Pakistan’s demand for concrete action by the Afghan Taliban against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the earlier talks had failed but emphasized Pakistan’s determination to continue counterterrorism operations and diplomatic efforts. He stated that Pakistan had consistently urged the Taliban to honor their commitments under the Doha Agreement, but no progress had been achieved due to their “unabated support” for anti-Pakistan groups.
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Mediators from Türkiye and Qatar reportedly acknowledged Pakistan’s security concerns as legitimate, emphasizing that addressing them is crucial for lasting peace and stability in the region.