Delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan concluded three days of talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, with mixed signals emerging from both sides regarding the outcome. While some participants expressed cautious optimism, others described the discussions as inconclusive, with key disputes remaining unresolved.
The negotiations, which began on Saturday, followed the October 19 ceasefire agreed upon in Doha, Qatar, after nearly two weeks of cross-border clashes and airstrikes. The Istanbul meetings were aimed at reinforcing that ceasefire and preventing further escalation along the volatile frontier between the two neighbors.
On Sunday, both delegations exchanged draft agreements after 15 hours of intensive discussions. Afghanistan demanded that Pakistan halt what it described as repeated land and airspace violations, while Pakistan called for verifiable mechanisms to curb cross-border terrorism attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, cautioned that failure to reach a settlement could risk “open war,” underscoring the high stakes involved. Afghan media outlets reported on Monday that substantial progress had been achieved on several issues, though a few critical matters remained unsettled.
Observers noted that even one or two unresolved issues—particularly those considered vital to either delegation—could ultimately derail a comprehensive agreement. Pakistan continues to insist on written, verifiable commitments from the Taliban administration to dismantle TTP networks operating near the border. Afghan representatives, however, dismissed these demands as “unrealistic,” maintaining that no TTP bases exist on Afghan territory. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called for “mutual understanding” but did not announce any concrete outcomes.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military reported on Monday that it had repelled infiltration attempts along the border, killing over 25 TTP fighters. The incident highlights ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire and underlines the fragility of the current calm. Both sides are expected to continue consultations in the coming weeks to bridge the remaining gaps and prevent a renewed cycle of violence.