Afghanistan and Pakistan resume peace talks in Istanbul

Istanbul

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to restart high-level peace negotiations in Istanbul after earlier talks collapsed. 

The talks are being mediated by Turkey (and reportedly Qatar) with the aim of preventing further border clashes that caused dozens of casualties this month. 

A key demand from Pakistan is that Afghanistan take effective, verifiable action against militant groups (especially the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan) operating from Afghan soil. Afghanistan denies harboring them, citing limited control. 

Although a cease-fire was brokered earlier, major border crossings remain closed and the situation remains fragile. 

One of the sources, a Pakistani security official, said Islamabad would press its central demand at the talks that Afghanistan take action against Islamist militants using its territory as a safe haven and to plan attacks on Pakistani soil.

Most of the issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been resolved successfully and peacefully. A few demands from Pakistan need some extra time as they are difficult to be agreed upon," said a source close to the Afghan Taliban delegation.