ISLAMABAD – Tensions rise as Pakistan’s spymaster and Director-General of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Lt. Gen. Asim Malik jets off to Turkey for a make-or-break round of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban leadership.
After fierce border clashes and failed Istanbul negotiations in October, both sides are back at the table, this time under tight international mediation led by Qatar and Turkiye.
The fresh dialogue aims to revive the fragile ceasefire, with Islamabad demanding firm guarantees that Afghan soil won’t be used for attacks inside Pakistan. Diplomatic insiders are calling it “Istanbul Talks 2.0”, a crucial test of patience, power, and regional trust.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed that Pakistani delegation travelled to Istanbul for a new round of talks with the Afghan Taliban, aimed at easing recent cross-border tensions.
Senior officials from both sides will meet again on November 6 to finalise these arrangements. Asif said Pakistan’s top priority is ensuring its security and urged Afghanistan to act “wisely” for regional peace. He also addressed questions on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying the draft would be ready next week but declined to share details.
Tensions between the two countries escalated after October 11 border clashes, with each side trading accusations over cross-border attacks and airstrikes. Doha talks earlier resulted in a temporary ceasefire, with Türkiye and Qatar continuing to mediate for long-term stability.
Joint Declaration in Türkiye: Afghanistan Must Walk the Talk
