Kabul: Afghanistan and Pakistan have returned to the negotiation table in Istanbul for another round of peace talks aimed at easing tensions that have escalated along their shared border in recent weeks. The discussions come after both countries agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire first reached in Doha last month.

Pakistan’s delegation, led by intelligence chief Asim Malik, is meeting with Afghanistan’s team headed by intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq and Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Turkish officials are facilitating the meeting, continuing their role as mediators between the two sides.

The talks follow a period of heavy clashes between Pakistani forces and Afghan border troops, the worst since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said his country’s main concern is the presence of militant groups, particularly the Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan, operating from Afghan territory. He warned that if diplomacy fails, Pakistan could consider military action.

Afghanistan, however, maintains that it does not support any militant activity against its neighbours and says it has limited control over groups acting independently in remote areas.

Both sides have expressed interest in maintaining peace, with Turkey confirming that a monitoring and verification mechanism is being discussed to ensure the ceasefire holds. Yet deep mistrust remains, and the issue of cross-border militancy continues to block progress.

The outcome of the Istanbul talks will be closely watched by regional powers, as any renewed conflict could further destabilize an already fragile area. Diplomats hope that continued dialogue will help both countries move toward lasting stability and prevent another round of violence.