ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to begin the third round of crucial peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, aimed at ending cross-border terrorism and reinforcing a fragile ceasefire between the two neighbouring nations. The two-day dialogue is being jointly mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, following weeks of shuttle diplomacy after deadly border clashes last month strained bilateral relations to their lowest point since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Pakistan’s delegation is led by Lt Gen Asim Malik, director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), alongside senior military, intelligence, and Foreign Office officials. The Afghan Taliban side includes General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) chief Abdul Haq Waseq, Deputy Interior Minister Rehmatullah Najib, spokesman Suhail Shaheen, and other key representatives.
Read More: Pakistan, Afghan Taliban hold second round of key talks in Turkey
Diplomatic sources said the delegations will review commitments made in previous rounds, particularly regarding the proposed monitoring and verification mechanism designed to uphold the ceasefire. The last joint statement issued by Turkiye confirmed that both parties had agreed to continue the ceasefire and enforce penalties against any violator.
Despite cautious optimism, officials in Islamabad and Kabul have tempered expectations, citing unresolved security concerns. Pakistan has reiterated its firm stance that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. “The Pakistan military and intelligence service have a single-point agenda — the end of terrorism,” military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed earlier this week.
Read More: KP Adviser, Afghan Ambassador unite for peace in key talks
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed guarded hope on Wednesday, saying, “The delegation has gone today and the negotiations will begin tomorrow morning. Let’s hope Afghanistan makes use of wisdom and peace is restored in the region.”