Muhammad Asim Saddiqi 
Turkish and Qatari mediators are continuing their discussions with the Afghan Taliban delegation over Pakistan’s set of demands, particularly to end cross-border terrorism, as both sides seek to reach an agreement before the conclusion of the ongoing talks, officials and diplomatic sources confirmed on Friday.
The two-day negotiations, taking place under tight media restrictions at Istanbul’s Conrad Hotel, mark the third round of engagement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban following deadly border clashes last month. Intelligence chiefs from both countries are leading their respective delegations. Officials said the talks may extend beyond Friday if additional time is needed.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad that the Pakistani delegation presented its demands to the mediators in an “evidence-based and logical manner.” He said Pakistan’s sole objective was to end cross-border terrorism and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for attacks against Pakistan. Andrabi added that mediators “fully endorsed Pakistan’s stance” based on the evidence provided and the principles of international law.
Sources close to the discussions described progress as encouraging, though they noted that consensus on verifiable enforcement against terrorist networks remained unresolved. Pakistan has demanded that the Afghan Taliban publicly disassociate itself from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and take visible action against groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has sought a formal decree from Kabul explicitly committing to end ties with the TTP.
Potential areas of convergence reportedly include counterterrorism cooperation, border security mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks. However, persistent mistrust and ambiguity from Kabul on the TTP issue continue to challenge the prospects of a lasting deal. The Istanbul negotiations follow weeks of shuttle diplomacy after violent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border last month strained relations to their lowest point since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Hostilities erupted on October 11 when an attack was launched on Pakistan from Afghan territory. The Taliban accused Islamabad of airstrikes inside Afghanistan, a claim Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied.
Following the clashes, Pakistan carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gul Bahadur group’s camps inside Afghanistan. A ceasefire was agreed on October 15, paving the way for talks in Doha and subsequently Istanbul. Despite a temporary truce, both sides have continued to exchange accusations of ceasefire violations.
During the current round of talks, tensions flared briefly when a cross-border exchange of fire at the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing killed two people, including a woman, on the Pakistani side. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of initiating fire, while Islamabad rejected the claim, saying firing was started from the Afghan side and responded to “in a measured and responsible manner.”
The negotiations in Istanbul come amid fears of renewed hostilities, with both sides warning that the breakdown of talks could trigger further clashes. Despite the ceasefire, most border crossings between the two countries remain closed to trade and civilian movement.
Mediators Turkiye and Qatar are working to secure agreement on a joint mechanism for monitoring and verification of ceasefire violations and counterterrorism measures. Ankara confirmed that both sides had agreed in principle to establish a system to maintain peace and penalize violators. Officials from both delegations acknowledged that while progress had been made, core disagreements persist, especially on the Taliban’s reluctance to act against TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
Observers note that Pakistan, while militarily stronger, faces significant political and economic challenges that could complicate any sustained conflict with the Taliban. Analysts warn that Pakistan’s efforts to secure religious legitimacy and domestic political backing for potential military action remain weak. The Taliban, for their part, have sought to project themselves as the legitimate heirs of the Deobandi school of thought, complicating Pakistan’s narrative of religious justification for confrontation. Meanwhile, several Pakistani political parties, including PTI, ANP, and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party have expressed opposition to escalating tensions with Afghanistan.
Trade-dependent communities along the border have also voiced concern over prolonged hostilities, warning of severe economic consequences for regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Diplomatically, Pakistan has recently improved ties with the United States and signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia. However, analysts argue that its fragile economy and internal divisions make it ill-prepared for a drawn-out conflict with Kabul.
Despite efforts to find a peaceful resolution, the risk of renewed confrontation looms large. Afghan officials say any further military action by Pakistan would be seen as an attack on Afghanistan’s sovereignty, while Islamabad maintains that it reserves the right to defend itself from cross-border terrorism. As mediators in Istanbul continue their late-night sessions, both sides face mounting pressure to finalize a verifiable framework for peace and avoid another escalation along one of the world’s most volatile borders.
