Istanbul [Turkey]: Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to meet in Istanbul on Thursday for the third and possibly final round of talks, following two earlier rounds that failed to achieve any breakthrough. The dialogue, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aims to resolve key disputes and implement previously agreed measures that remain pending, TOLO News reported.
The talks come amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours. The second round, held in late October, lasted four days but ended without progress despite mediation efforts following deadly border clashes and a temporary ceasefire that began on October 19.
The Afghan delegation is headed by Abdul Haq Wasiq, Chief of the General Directorate of Intelligence, and includes Rahmatullah Najib, Deputy Minister of Interior; Suhail Shaheen, acting ambassador in Qatar; Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban leader; Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Zakir Jalali, Deputy Director of Political Affairs.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Wednesday that his country’s delegation had left for Istanbul, expressing hope that the meeting would help both sides “find a peaceful solution to the current tensions,” Dawn reported. The Pakistani team is being led by Asim Malik, head of the country’s intelligence agency.
During the previous round, Asif had issued a stern warning to the Taliban, saying on October 29 that Pakistan could strike deep inside Afghanistan and “push them back to the caves” if militants launched another attack on Pakistani soil.
Political analyst Asadullah Nadeem said the upcoming talks could prove decisive: “It is possible that this round will be the final one, either to confirm or reject the framework of an agreement previously outlined between the delegations.”
Meanwhile, the Amir of Qatar expressed optimism that the dialogue could yield progress, while Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar voiced hope that the process would lead to greater cooperation and regional stability.
“My wish and prayer is that these talks bear fruit and that we can support each other. I want positive, forward-looking relations with Afghanistan, Iran, and all our neighbours,” Dar said.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, marked by cross-border skirmishes, airspace violations, and mutual accusations. The tensions flared after an October 11 attack on Pakistan from Afghan territory, followed by Taliban claims of Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan—allegations Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied.
