ISLAMABAD: The second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban is set to be held in Istanbul on Thursday, with discussions focused on finalising a ceasefire enforcement mechanism and preventing cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil, sources confirmed.
Both delegations will meet under a pre-agreed schedule, with Pakistan expected to deliver a strong message that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
According to sources, if the Afghan Taliban delegation is led by a senior minister, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will also travel to Istanbul to participate. The National Security Adviser is also likely to join Pakistan’s team.
The talks follow an understanding reached earlier under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar, where both sides agreed to a ceasefire and the creation of a monitoring and verification system empowered to penalise violations.
Tensions between the two countries spiked after cross-border assaults on October 11, prompting both to negotiate a ceasefire in Doha on October 19.
Officials hope the Istanbul round will produce concrete terms for implementing and sustaining the ceasefire, paving the way for long-term stability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
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Lahore’s floating restaurant
The Punjab government has unveiled plans to construct a “Ship Restaurant” on the Lahore Canal near Jallo, aimed at promoting tourism and adding new recreational attractions to the provincial capital.
According to officials, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has already invited tenders for the project, which has received formal approval from the provincial government.
PHA Director General Raja Mansoor said the floating-style Ship Restaurant will be completed within the current fiscal year, offering residents and tourists a unique dining experience along one of Lahore’s most scenic locations.
The three-storey restaurant will feature a dedicated kitchen, ample parking space, and the capacity to accommodate around 200 guests at a time. Entry will be free of charge, with visitors paying only for meals.
