Turkiye's mediation revives Pakistan–Afghan Taliban talks in Istanbul

Istanbul: Pakistan has agreed to resume talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul on Thursday, following a renewed mediation effort by Türkiye, according to diplomatic sources cited by ARY News.

The development comes just a day after Islamabad announced that the previous round of negotiations had failed, despite intensive efforts by mediators from Türkiye and Qatar.

Sources said the Pakistani delegation, which had been preparing to return home, decided to extend its stay in Istanbul at Türkiye’s request to give peace another chance.

Türkiye played a key role in persuading both sides to resume dialogue aimed at easing border tensions and restoring regional stability.

Discussions will focus on Pakistan’s primary demand that Afghanistan take effective action against terrorist groups operating on its soil.

Earlier on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the talks with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul have failed despite intensive mediation by Qatar and Türkiye, and vowed to continue operations to dismantle terrorist networks and their sanctuaries.

In a statement posted on X titled “Update on Pakistan – Afghanistan Dialogue, Istanbul – October 2025,” Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged the Afghan Taliban regime since it took control in Kabul, urging them to act against cross-border terrorism carried out by Indian-abetted groups — including the Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

“Pakistan has repeatedly asked the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfil their written commitments under the Doha Agreement,” Tarar said. “However, Pakistan’s efforts proved futile due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists.”

Sources revealed that Afghan representatives had refused to provide written assurances regarding action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan, on the other hand, demanded verifiable guarantees from the Taliban that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

Mediators also acknowledged Pakistan’s security concerns, recognizing them as legitimate and critical for regional peace and stability.