Pakistan, Afghanistan Set to Resume Peace Talks in Istanbul

Pakistan and Afghanistan are expected to hold another round of peace talks in Istanbul, according to a Pakistani security source. This information comes after a previous round of negotiations ended without success. Tensions between the two countries have escalated following the deadliest clashes since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

The violence peaked on October 9, 2023, when explosions in Kabul led to over 70 deaths and left hundreds injured. The Taliban authorities attributed these explosions to Pakistan, exacerbating an already strained relationship between the neighbours. Following this, Islamabad confirmed that earlier talks had collapsed.

“On the request of the Afghan Taliban regime, another round of talks between Pakistan and Kabul is likely to take place in Istanbul,” the source stated, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Pakistan’s state broadcaster, PTV, reported that Islamabad had agreed to resume discussions at the request of the Turkish and Qatari hosts.

Both Afghan and Pakistani state media have reported on the stalled negotiations, with Afghan broadcaster RTA stating that the breakdown was due to “unreasonable demands” from the Pakistani side. Afghan officials have not publicly commented on the current status of negotiations.

Strained Relations and Ongoing Tensions

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly in recent years, largely due to accusations from Islamabad that Kabul is harboring militant groups. One such group, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been particularly problematic, with Islamabad alleging that they use Afghan territory to launch attacks.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning this week, stating,

“Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures.”

Despite the ongoing ceasefire, the border between the two nations has remained closed for over two weeks, impacting traders on both sides.

In Kandahar, Afghan trader Nazir Ahmed expressed concern about the economic repercussions of the ongoing tensions. “Our nation is tired and their nation is also tired,” he said. Similarly, Abdul Jabbar, a vehicle spare parts trader in Chaman, Pakistan, noted that “trade suffers greatly” due to the border closure, adding, “Both countries face losses — both are Islamic nations.”

The recent violence has deeply affected civilians, with the United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reporting at least 50 Afghan civilian deaths and 447 injuries over one week. Pakistan’s military has confirmed that at least 23 personnel were killed, with 29 wounded, though specific details on civilian casualties were not provided.

As both nations look towards renewed negotiations in Istanbul, the hope remains that dialogue could ease tensions and pave the way for improved relations.