Islamabad: Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered another round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia as both countries try to control rising tension along their shared border. According to diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions, the talks included officials from intelligence agencies, foreign ministries and security leadership from both sides.
The main focus of the meeting was the growing security challenges along the border, especially after the deadly clashes in October this year that resulted in military and civilian casualties. Although both governments agreed to continue the temporary ceasefire announced earlier, no major breakthrough has been reached so far.
Pakistan again raised concerns over militant groups using Afghan territory to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has pointed to a recent suicide bombing in its capital that killed 12 people and which authorities claim involved Afghan nationals. Afghan officials, however, continued to say that they do not support any militant group and cannot be held responsible for actions beyond their control.
This discussion in Saudi Arabia follows earlier negotiation rounds in Doha and Istanbul in the past two months. Those meetings helped prevent further violence but did not produce long term agreements. Trade between the two countries, once active and essential for border communities, also remains suspended as both sides wait for progress.
Officials from both countries have said they are open to more talks, but no date has been fixed for the next meeting. Regional observers note that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye may continue to mediate to prevent another border escalation.
For now, the ceasefire remains in place but uncertainty continues. The future of these talks will depend on whether both sides can agree on a security system that addresses Pakistan’s concerns about militant activity and Afghanistan’s request for respect and recognition of its sovereignty.
Many in the region hope that the ongoing dialogue will eventually lead to a stable solution, but at the moment trust remains limited and progress is slow.