Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government are set to hold the second round of peace talks today in Istanbul, Türkiye, amid a temporary halt in cross-border violence and ongoing border trade suspension. The development follows a ceasefire understanding reached earlier this week in Doha, which Pakistani officials have described as “largely holding.”
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, addressing his first weekly media briefing, said that no major terrorist attacks have occurred in Pakistan from Afghan soil over the past few days. “The Doha dialogue has proven productive,” Andrabi stated, adding that Islamabad hopes the positive trend will continue through and beyond the Istanbul round.
The spokesman confirmed that Afghan transit trade remains suspended until the security situation improves. He emphasized that Pakistani lives and national security would always take precedence over commercial activity. “Afghan-based militants have recently attacked our border posts, resulting in Pakistani casualties. Our citizens’ safety outweighs any trade interests,” he said.
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s expectation that the Taliban government must ensure Afghan territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. He stressed that the talks aim to develop a verified and practical mechanism ensuring Kabul acts decisively against groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Doha agreement, he confirmed, was reached following delegation-level discussions led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and border stability. The Istanbul round, hosted by Türkiye, is expected to finalize a proposed monitoring framework to oversee the ceasefire implementation.
While Andrabi did not confirm who will lead Pakistan’s delegation in Istanbul, he said the team would be “representative and fully empowered.” He declined to comment on why Pakistan’s Special Envoy Mohammad Sadiq was absent from the Doha session.
Responding to Afghan officials’ skepticism regarding the Doha understanding, Andrabi said Pakistan “does not dwell on terminology,” emphasizing that “a tangible and written agreement” was achieved regardless of the label.
On a separate note, the spokesperson addressed the Taliban’s reported plan to construct a dam on the Kunar River, saying Pakistan is reviewing the issue under international law. He added that Islamabad remains committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan but expects reciprocal action to curb cross-border militancy.
Meanwhile, Andrabi also announced the signing of two memorandums of understanding with Poland, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause, and highlighted recent diplomatic engagements by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar with counterparts from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco.
