ISTANBUL/ISLAMABAD (Web-Desk) – Pakistan has reiterated a firm position during high-level talks in Istanbul, stating that it will not tolerate any terrorism originating from Afghan soil.
The negotiations, co-hosted by Türkiye and Qatar, mark the third round of principal-level talks between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban regime, aimed at consolidating a fragile ceasefire following deadly cross-border clashes last month.
The Pakistani delegation emphasized that the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Sources indicate that the core focus of the two-day talks is to finalize a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure that peace is maintained and that any violations are penalized.
Pakistan is pressing for concrete, verifiable action against the TTP, including dismantling militant sanctuaries and handing over key leadership operating from within Afghanistan. Islamabad has also proposed involving neutral third-party observers to oversee the implementation of any agreed framework, highlighting deep-seated mistrust.
The Afghan delegation includes senior officials such as Intelligence Chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, Doha-based Taliban representatives Suhail Shahin and Ins Haqqani, and other government officials.
Afghan sources described the atmosphere during the initial session as “good”, though structural differences remain: Pakistan demands an end to cross-border attacks, while the Taliban insist they do not harbor militants and emphasize respect for Afghan sovereignty.
The success of this round is seen as a critical test for both neighbors, determining whether they can transition from repeated conflicts to a stable working relationship. The talks are scheduled to last two days but could be extended if a breakthrough appears imminent.
