Afghanistan and Pakistan to Resume Peace Talks in Istanbul
According to three informed sources, Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to restart their peace discussions in Istanbul, following Islamabad’s recent announcement of a failed round of negotiations. Two of the sources indicated that this resumption is taking place at Turkey’s request, the host nation.
The negotiating teams from both countries are currently in Istanbul. One of the sources, a Pakistani security official, stated that Islamabad is expected to strongly emphasize its key demand during the talks: that Afghanistan take decisive action against militants operating from its territory who are planning attacks on Pakistan.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring elements of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, a distinct armed group opposed to Pakistan, enabling them to launch assaults from Afghan soil. Kabul denies these allegations, asserting that it does not have control over this group. Likewise, a Pakistani security source mentioned that the negotiations are likely to resume after Wednesday’s setback.
The second round of Istanbul negotiations commenced on Saturday, aimed at establishing a ceasefire between the two nations, but it “failed to reach a viable solution,” as stated by Islamabad. The unnamed Pakistani source noted that a new round of talks is expected to take place in Istanbul.
Islamabad is currently experiencing a surge in attacks against its security forces and is looking for reliable and decisive measures from Kabul through these negotiations to ensure that Afghan territories are not exploited by militant groups. However, Afghan officials describe these requests as unrealistic.
The Pakistani source added that Islamabad is willing to participate in the discussions openly but will not compromise its fundamental stance regarding national security. Just two weeks ago, clashes erupted between the two nations after Afghan forces targeted a Pakistani border post in retaliation for explosions that occurred in Kabul, leading to a ceasefire agreement in Qatar.