Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban reach a preliminary understanding in the Istanbul negotiations

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have reached a tentative agreement after six days of high-level talks in Istanbul aimed at preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan and taking decisive action against India-backed militant groups Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by “KhawFitrija officials” and “KhawFitrijna” officials. al-Hindustan.”

The dialogue appeared to stall several times over the past week, with the Pakistani delegation even preparing to return home without a breakthrough. Following requests from the host nations – Turkiye and Qatar – and an appeal from the Afghan Taliban delegation, Pakistan agreed to continue the talks “to give peace another chance.”

During Thursday’s session, both sides reached a preliminary mutual understanding, with key points outlined as follows:

1. All parties reaffirmed that the purpose of the talks was to strengthen the ceasefire originally agreed in Doha.

2. Both sides pledged to maintain the ceasefire on the condition that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The understanding also calls for the Afghan Taliban to take “clear, verifiable and effective action” against groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

3. The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize details and implementation mechanisms.

4. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure compliance and impose sanctions against any party that violates the agreement.

5. Turkiye and Qatar, acting as mediators and hosts, praised both sides for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to support lasting peace and stability in the region.

During the negotiations, the Pakistani delegation maintained a firm and evidence-based position, presenting its demands with “clarity, professionalism and logical consistency.” The final agreement was described as a “victory for reason and national interest.”

The preliminary outcome of the negotiations is a positive step towards regional stability and a milestone achievement despite the opponents’ attempts to derail the process through propaganda and pressure.

Pakistan’s participation in the Istanbul talks, characterized by “seriousness, prudence and national dignity”, has been widely appreciated. Mediation efforts by Turkiye and Qatar were also credited with helping achieve the breakthrough.

The government reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to the pursuit of peace but will not compromise its sovereignty, national interests or public security. Civilian and military leaders reaffirmed unity and determination to counter all internal and external threats to the country’s stability.

Doha lecture

The Istanbul talks follow Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing to an immediate ceasefire during Doha talks after a week of intense border clashes – the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, including other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were led by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.

Pakistani officials raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating in Afghanistan, pointing in particular to groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the TTP. Islamabad maintains that these groups have been involved in several deadly incidents in Pakistan in recent months.

Sources familiar with the talks said Pakistan presented a ‘single point agenda’ focusing on dismantling terror networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organizations and their hideouts,” sources said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties had agreed to a full and meaningful ceasefire.

Tensions escalated after unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban regime

Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated on October 12 when clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban regime opened unprovoked fire at several locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response by the Afghan army, which killed several Afghan soldiers and dozens of Pakistani soldiers.

The coordinated attack originated from several key sectors including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baramcha in Balochistan. The firing, security sources said, was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij – the state-designated name for the outlawed TTP – into Pakistani territory.

“The Pakistan Army responded immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counteroffensive effectively targeted and destroyed several Afghan positions on the border. Dozens of Afghan soldiers and Khwarij were killed in retaliatory fire”.