Key News
Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban in Istanbul after Turkiye’s firm diplomatic push to give peace another chance. The development follows a tense standoff between Islamabad and Kabul after previous rounds of dialogue failed to yield results. According to officials, Pakistan’s delegation has extended its stay in Turkiye to continue negotiations instead of returning home. The move, insiders say, reflects Islamabad’s decision to keep diplomatic channels open rather than escalate border tensions.
Islamabad gives peace another chance
Sources close to the matter told Geo News that Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban in hopes of securing “clear, verifiable and effective action” against militant groups operating from Afghan soil. Islamabad’s renewed engagement also comes as Turkiye, Qatar, and other friendly nations have intensified mediation efforts to prevent a new cycle of violence. The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that its diplomats are in constant contact with both sides to support continued dialogue.
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The key agenda for this round revolves around Pakistan’s long-standing demand for Afghanistan to stop militant groups — including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — from launching attacks across the border. Despite earlier talks, Kabul has yet to provide verifiable guarantees that its territory won’t be used against Pakistan. As Reuters previously reported, the failure to reach a verifiable framework remains the biggest hurdle between both governments.
Pakistan warns of consequences if attacks continue ⚔️
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to launch deep strikes if Afghan soil is again used for terrorism. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he stated that while Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban for peace, it will respond strongly to any aggression or cross-border infiltration. “We will defend every inch of our land,” he said, stressing that Pakistan’s military capability can swiftly neutralize threats if provoked.
India’s role and regional dynamics 🌏
In a separate interview, Asif accused India of waging a “low-intensity war” against Pakistan using Afghan soil as a proxy front. Analysts believe that Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban not only for border security but also to counter the influence of hostile regional elements. This strategic context makes Turkiye’s role as mediator even more crucial, given Ankara’s ties with both South Asian and Middle Eastern capitals.
Previous breakdown and renewed mediation
The earlier Istanbul talks had collapsed after four days when Taliban negotiators refused to sign on to verifiable commitments. Despite mediation from Qatar and Turkiye, Pakistan’s delegation termed the Taliban’s stance “illogical and detached from reality.” However, the situation changed after Turkish diplomats persuaded both sides to extend discussions. As a result, Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban under a restructured agenda that prioritizes verification and accountability mechanisms.
Cross-border tensions and military aftermath
The escalation began earlier in October when Taliban fighters reportedly carried out attacks near Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border. Pakistan’s forces retaliated with precision strikes, eliminating over 200 militants. Yet, the cost was steep — 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred. Following these clashes, Islamabad and Kabul accepted a temporary ceasefire on October 17, leading to the first Doha round. Now, Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban hoping to transform that fragile truce into a durable peace framework.
Turkiye’s mediation and international support 🕊️
Turkiye has emerged as a pivotal player, encouraging both sides to sustain engagement despite provocations. Its diplomatic outreach aligns with broader international calls — from the UN to regional organizations — for restraint and cooperation. Observers note that the fact that Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban again underlines Ankara’s growing role as a credible regional peace facilitator. For regular updates and in-depth analysis, readers can follow NewsCloud.pk, which tracks Pakistan’s evolving security and foreign policy landscape.
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Whether this renewed round of Istanbul talks delivers tangible outcomes remains uncertain. Still, the fact that Pakistan resumes talks with Afghan Taliban demonstrates Islamabad’s willingness to prioritize dialogue over confrontation — at least for now. If Kabul offers verifiable commitments and refrains from harboring militants, a sustainable peace could finally take root. Until then, the region watches closely as diplomacy once again battles distrust. ✨
FAQs
- Why did Pakistan resume talks with the Afghan Taliban?
Pakistan resumed talks after mediation by Turkiye to secure verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. - Where are the latest discussions taking place?
The talks are being held in Istanbul, with delegations from both Islamabad and Kabul present under Turkiye’s mediation. - What are Pakistan’s main demands?
Pakistan wants clear and verifiable guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism against it. - How did previous talks fail?
Earlier talks collapsed when the Taliban refused to accept verification mechanisms for anti-terrorism actions. - Where can I find the latest updates?
Stay informed via NewsCloud.pk, Reuters, and Al Jazeera for real-time developments.
