Afghan and Pakistani negotiators will meet Saturday in Istanbul to address border security and establish a lasting ceasefire, following recent clashes that killed dozens including civilians after Kabul explosions sparked retaliatory strikes. Islamabad launched “precision strikes” against armed groups on Afghan soil following the initial conflict. Both sides declared a 48-hour truce that collapsed quickly with mutual accusations.
Qatar and Turkey mediated a second truce Sunday which has held despite unclear terms, as Saturday’s talks will detail mechanisms for stability announced during Doha discussions. The Afghan delegation led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib departed Friday for Turkey, while Islamabad has not yet named its representative for the critical negotiations.
Conflicting Priorities Dominate Talks
Kabul demands guarantees for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity as its primary objective, with Islamabad insisting talks must address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil against Pakistan. Islamabad repeatedly accuses Kabul of harbouring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a charge the Taliban denies, as Pakistan demands Taliban authorities regain control over fighters on Afghan territory immediately.
Analyst Ibraheem Bahiss explained Islamabad views this control as essential for the Istanbul talks, suggesting mechanisms could involve intelligence sharing about armed group locations and movements. Pakistan might provide coordinates where TTP fighters operate, expecting Afghan action instead of strikes.
Doubts Linger Over Long-Term Solutions
Bahiss admitted he remains skeptical technical fixes will resolve core conflict drivers, revealing that he believes mechanisms alone cannot address fundamental tensions fueling the escalation cycle. Before the recent clashes, Pakistan had long supported the Taliban for strategic depth against India, however, the latest escalation came as Afghanistan’s foreign minister made a rare visit to New Delhi.
Turkey confirmed only its commitment to supporting peace efforts after Doha’s agreement, pledging continued backing for mechanisms strengthening border stability and peace. The talks represent a crucial opportunity to prevent further deadly confrontations between the neighbors.
