Pakistan, Afghan Taliban reach interim understanding in Istanbul talks | The Express Tribune

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have reached an interim understanding following six days of high-level talks in Istanbul, aimed at preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan and taking decisive action against India-backed militant groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by Pakistani officials as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.”

The dialogue appeared to stall several times over the past week, with the Pakistani delegation even preparing to return home without a breakthrough. However, following requests from the host nations — Turkiye and Qatar — and an appeal from the Afghan Taliban delegation, Pakistan agreed to continue negotiations “to give peace another chance.”

During Thursday’s session, both sides reached a provisional mutual understanding, with key points outlined as follows:

1. All parties reaffirmed that the purpose of the talks was to reinforce the ceasefire originally agreed upon in Doha.

2. Both sides committed to maintaining the ceasefire on the condition that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The understanding also requires the Afghan Taliban to take “clear, verifiable, and effective action” against groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

3. The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to finalise details and implementation mechanisms.

4. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure compliance and impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement.

5. Turkiye and Qatar, acting as mediators and hosts, commended both sides for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lasting peace and stability in the region.

During talks, Pakistani delegation maintained a firm and evidence-based stance, presenting its demands with “clarity, professionalism, and logical consistency.” The eventual agreement was described as a “victory for reason and national interest.”

The interim outcome of the talks is a positive step toward regional stability and a milestone achievement despite attempts by adversaries to derail the process through propaganda and pressure.

Pakistan’s participation in the Istanbul talks, marked by “seriousness, prudence, and national dignity,” has been widely appreciated. The mediation efforts of Turkiye and Qatar were also credited with helping to achieve the breakthrough.

The government reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to pursuing peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty, national interest, or public security. Civil and military leadership reaffirmed unity and determination to counter all internal and external threats to the country’s stability.

Turkiye issues statement

According to statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire agreed in Doha earlier this month, following six days of talks in Istanbul mediated by Turkiye and Qatar.

“All parties have agreed on the continuation of the ceasefire,” the statement said. It added that further modalities for implementation will be discussed in a principal-level meeting scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul.

Participants also agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the maintenance of peace and to impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement.

“As mediators, Turkiye and Qatar express their appreciation for the active contribution of both parties and stand ready to continue cooperation with both sides for lasting peace and stability,” the statement concluded.

Doha Talks

The Istanbul dialogues follow Pakistan and Afghanistan’s agreement on an immediate ceasefire during Doha talks, after a week of intense border clashes — the worst since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021.

Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.

Pakistani officials raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, pointing in particular to groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the TTP. Islamabad maintains that these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents inside Pakistan in recent months.

Sources familiar with the talks said Pakistan presented a ‘single-point agenda’ focused on the dismantling of terrorist networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organisations and their hideouts,” sources said.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties agreed on a complete and meaningful ceasefire.

Tensions escalated after unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban regime

Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated on October 12, when clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban regime opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response from the Pakistan Army, which destroyed several Afghan posts and killed dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants.

The coordinated assault originated across several key sectors, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Baramcha in Balochistan. The firing, security sources said, was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij — the state-designated term for the banned TTP — into Pakistani territory.

“The Pakistan Army responded immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counteroffensive effectively targeted and destroyed multiple Afghan posts on the border. Dozens of Afghan soldiers and Khwarij were killed in retaliatory fire”.