ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan’s delegation had departed for Istanbul to hold a fresh round of talks with the Afghan Taliban on Thursday, aimed at easing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Asif said the Pakistani delegation had left earlier in the day and that “negotiations will begin tomorrow morning.” He expressed hope that Afghanistan would act with “wisdom” to restore regional peace.
He said Pakistan’s stance in the discussions remained clear: Kabul must ensure that Afghan territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan. “We have a single-point agenda,” he added.
When asked about the prospects of progress, the minister said talks are held only when there is hope of a positive outcome; otherwise, they are a waste of time.
The upcoming talks follow weeks of tension after border clashes and accusations between Islamabad and Kabul. The first round of discussions in Istanbul had reached an impasse over Pakistan’s long-standing concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. However, mediation by Türkiye and Qatar revived the dialogue.
Both sides earlier agreed on a three-point framework — continuation of the ceasefire, creation of a monitoring and verification mechanism, and penalties for violations. Operational details of the agreement are expected to be finalised in the upcoming Istanbul meeting on November 6.
Separately, commenting on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Khawaja Asif said the draft would take its final shape next week before being tabled in Parliament. He said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had every right to express his views on the issue, adding that consultations with all political parties were ongoing.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have worsened in recent weeks after repeated border skirmishes. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring militant groups involved in attacks on its soil, while the Taliban deny the allegations.
The recent dialogue process — mediated by Türkiye and Qatar — seeks to establish a lasting mechanism for peace and border stability.
