Pakistan has reportedly agreed to resume peace talks with the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul. The decision came following Turkiye’s diplomatic efforts urging both sides to give peace “another chance.”
According to informed sources, Islamabad’s decision to return to the negotiation table was driven by the desire to restore stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Earlier dialogue attempts between both sides had ended without any tangible progress.
Renewed Efforts for Dialogue
The upcoming meeting in Istanbul is expected to focus on security cooperation and cross-border concerns. Officials on both sides are preparing the agenda, which may also include discussions on counterterrorism coordination and refugee management.
Sources close to the matter said that Pakistan’s leadership views dialogue as the only viable way forward. They emphasized that ongoing tensions and border incidents had underscored the urgent need for structured communication channels.
Role of Turkiye as Mediator
Turkiye has played a significant role in facilitating this renewed engagement. Ankara’s diplomatic outreach helped convince both Islamabad and Kabul to revisit their positions. The Turkish government is expected to host and mediate the upcoming discussions, ensuring that both parties stay committed to constructive dialogue.
A Step Toward Regional Stability
Officials in Islamabad believe the talks could mark an important turning point in bilateral relations. Restoring trust and preventing further border escalations remain key objectives for Pakistan’s security and foreign policy teams.
Diplomatic observers note that Pakistan’s decision reflects a broader regional trend of prioritizing dialogue over confrontation. With multiple stakeholders urging restraint and cooperation, both governments appear willing to seek common ground once again.
Previous Rounds Brought Limited Results
Earlier meetings between Islamabad and Kabul failed to yield meaningful progress. The primary sticking points included security concerns, cross-border infiltration, and mutual accusations of harboring hostile elements. The upcoming Istanbul talks, however, are being framed as a new opportunity to address these long-standing issues through diplomacy.
As of now, no official date has been confirmed for the talks. However, both sides have indicated readiness to move forward under Turkiye’s mediation.
