Taliban-Pakistan Talks Enter Second Day in Istanbul
The ongoing negotiations between the Taliban and a Pakistani delegation entered their second day in Istanbul on Sunday (October 25), with both sides exchanging draft proposals earlier in the day, according to media sources under Taliban administration.
Following a 15-hour session, the Taliban delegation submitted its draft agreement to the Pakistani side, while the Pakistani delegation presented its second draft to the Taliban on Sunday morning.
The two delegations are scheduled to reconvene at 12:00 p.m. local time under the supervision of international mediators to continue discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement to de-escalate tensions, according to Taliban-controlled national television.
The draft proposed by the Taliban calls for Pakistan to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan’s land and airspace. It also demands that Islamabad prevent any group or opposition elements from launching activities against Afghans from Pakistan’s territory.
The Taliban have also expressed readiness to establish a four-party mechanism to investigate potential violations and to facilitate information-sharing regarding breaches of a potential ceasefire.
Bakhtar News Agency, a Taliban-linked outlet, cited sources as saying some progress had been made and that both delegations remain optimistic about reaching an agreement.
This second round of talks was initiated following recent border tensions between Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The talks began Saturday (October 24) in Istanbul. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that unresolved issues are still under discussion.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the collapse of the republic, they have faced widespread domestic and international criticism for failing to manage foreign relations and secure the country’s borders.
