Pakistan-Taliban Talks Continue in Istanbul Amid Security Concerns

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed optimism about upcoming third-round talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul, while firmly maintaining Islamabad’s stance against terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil.

During a Friday press briefing, Andrabi revealed that the second round of negotiations – originally planned for two days – extended to four days in Istanbul.

The spokesperson emphasized Pakistan’s unchanged position that “Afghan territory must not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.”

Andrabi stated that while Pakistan seeks to avoid escalating tensions, it expects the Taliban to honor international commitments by taking “verifiable, concrete actions” against:

• Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants
• Baloch separatist groups operating from Afghanistan