ISTANBUL –
Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to hold the second round of bilateral talks on Saturday in Istanbul, aiming to prevent further loss of Pakistani lives and address ongoing security concerns.
The Pakistan Foreign Office and Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the upcoming talks. Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi welcomed the agreement reached in Doha, Qatar on 19 October, calling it a “first step toward ensuring peace and stability in the region.” He also expressed gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for their “constructive role” in facilitating the dialogue.
The focus of the Istanbul talks will be “preventing terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil and stopping further loss of Pakistani lives,” Andrabi said.
According to Mujahid, an Afghan delegation led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib has departed for Turkey to engage in discussions with Pakistan on “remaining issues.”
Earlier this month, both countries experienced heavy clashes along the border, resulting in significant human and material losses. These confrontations subsided following the Qatar talks on 19 October, where the Pakistani delegation was led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Afghan delegation was led by Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused militants of using Afghan territory to carry out attacks inside Pakistan, allegations that Afghanistan has consistently denied.
Doha agreement and beyond Pak stance on peace, terrorism & regional stability
