Pakistan agrees to resume peace talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul: Report

Pakistan has agreed to resume peace talks with Afghanistan at the request of mediators Türkiye and Qatar, with the next round expected to take place soon in Istanbul, international media reported.

Pakistan’s Samaa TV, quoting sources, reported that the Pakistani delegation, which had been preparing to return home, will now remain in Istanbul to give dialogue another chance. The upcoming discussions will center on Islamabad’s key demand that Kabul take concrete, verifiable, and effective measures against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

The report, quoting the officials, reiterated that Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for attacks against Pakistan, stressing that terrorism emanating from across the border is unacceptable.

Diplomatic sources told the news organisation that the Afghan side has shown early signs of flexibility, recognising that Pakistan will not compromise on its national security concerns. Islamabad insists the talks must yield tangible results rather than symbolic gestures.

“We want solid guarantees against cross-border terrorism,” a senior official said to Samaa TV, emphasising that Pakistan expects Afghanistan to take decisive steps to dismantle the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant networks if it wants regional stability and to avoid diplomatic isolation.

The previous round of talks in Istanbul concluded earlier this week without any breakthrough, prompting Islamabad to announce plans for full-scale operations against terrorists and their facilitators.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the four-day discussions collapsed due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against groups operating from its soil.