Afghanistan, Pakistan Make Progress In Istanbul Talks

According to Tolo News, citing sources, the negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan currently ongoing in Istanbul have gained momentum with both sides reaching an agreement on most of the important issues; The remaining issues are expected to be concluded soon.

According to sources cited by Tolo News, a joint statement is expected to be made at the end of the talks outlining agreements to extend the ceasefire, reopen the routes, release prisoners as a sign of goodwill, determine the calendar of the next meeting and address many other issues.

Political analyst Ghulam Mohammad Din Mohammadi said the ongoing dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad is an important step towards political understanding. Muhammadi said, “It is vital that negotiations be held first in Qatar and then in Türkiye for both sides to reach a political agreement. The mutual distrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be resolved.” Muhammadi said, adding that Pakistan should address its claims against Afghanistan through international platforms.

Meanwhile, Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reaffirmed Kabul’s commitment to dialogue, saying Afghanistan’s actions were defensive in nature due to recent tensions with Pakistan.

Mujahid said, “We have always supported dialogue and continue to support it. In the recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghanistan only responded; the first move was made by Pakistan.” he said. He described the first round of talks in Doha as “a positive step” and said Kabul is awaiting the outcome of the current round in Istanbul.

As reported by Tolo News, sources also revealed that the Pakistani delegation was led by General Shahab Aslam, chief of the Special Operations Division of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Reports from Türkiye indicate progress has been made in the first round of talks, but some in Pakistan’s military establishment are trying to portray the talks as a failure, Tolo News reported.

International relations analyst Sayed Zia Hosseini said the process could be “complex and time-consuming” but stressed the importance of a structured and professional approach in resolving long-standing bilateral issues.

These negotiations follow the first round of talks held in Doha on October 18 and October 19, under the joint mediation of Qatar and Türkiye. During this period, both sides agreed on an “immediate ceasefire” after days of intense border clashes.