Third Round of Istanbul Talks: Can Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions Be Managed?

Kokcha News Agency – High-level security delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan have convened in Istanbul for a third round of talks aimed at de-escalating cross-border tensions and addressing key disputes, particularly the presence and activities of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) on Afghan soil.

The talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, are co-chaired by Muhammad Asim Malik, Director of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Abdul Haq Wasiq, Taliban Minister of Security. Key agenda items include:

• Strengthening the existing ceasefire.
• Establishing joint border patrols.
• Creating a verification mechanism to monitor compliance.
• Addressing Pakistan’s demand that the Taliban curb TTP operations launched from Afghan territory.

Despite these efforts, mutual distrust remains high. Pakistan insists the Taliban must prevent TTP incursions, while the Taliban deny hosting TTP fighters and instead offer to mediate peace between Pakistan and the group—a proposal Islamabad rejects, having designated TTP a terrorist organization.

The dialogue follows recent border clashes that killed over 70 people, including civilians, and comes amid a broader deterioration in relations. Historical grievances—such as the disputed Durand Line, water-sharing conflicts, geopolitical competition (including Afghanistan’s ties with India), and refugee issues—continue to overshadow negotiations.

Regional analyst Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, a former diplomat, noted that even if the Istanbul talks succeed, they are unlikely to resolve fundamental disputes. Instead, they may only serve as a short-term mechanism to manage hostilities and reduce immediate threats.