IsTANBUL, Oct 25: Pakistan and Afghanistan began the second round of peace talks in Istanbul on October 25, following the first round held in Doha on October 18–19.
The dialogue is jointly mediated by Qatar and Turkey. Pakistan’s delegation comprises two security officials, while Afghanistan is represented by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujib and Anas Haqqani, brother of Interior Minister Noor Ahmad Noor.
Despite the talks, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a strong warning, stating that failure of the dialogue could force Pakistan into “open war” with Afghanistan.
He noted, however, that both sides appear to be seeking peace.
Islamabad also reportedly wants to establish a “third-party oversight structure,” potentially co-chaired by Turkey and Qatar, to monitor progress and address non-compliance.
A major agenda item is Pakistan’s demand for verifiable commitments from Afghanistan to eliminate threats from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims uses Afghan territory to launch cross-border attacks. Recent clashes along the Durand Line have further strained bilateral ties.
Tensions have been heightened by Afghanistan’s geopolitical moves. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi in early October was viewed with suspicion by Pakistan, coinciding with drone attacks in Kabul.
Additionally, Afghanistan announced plans to construct dams on the Kunar River, known in Pakistan as the Chitral River, which originates from the Chiantar glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, flows into Afghanistan at Arandu, and merges with the Kabul River in Nangarhar Province.
Taliban Deputy Information Minister Muhajer Farahi stated that Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has directed the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin dam construction using domestic contractors without waiting for foreign companies.
The Istanbul talks are seen as crucial for stabilizing the border region and preventing further hostilities.
Pakistan is seeking assurances that Afghan territory will not serve as a base for cross-border militant activity, while Afghanistan aims to safeguard its sovereign decisions regarding internal projects and alliances.
The outcome of the talks is expected to be revealed by Sunday, which could determine the next phase of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
The combination of military rhetoric, geopolitical disputes, and resource-related tensions underscores the fragility of the peace process, highlighting the challenges of balancing diplomacy and security along the sensitive border region. (IANS)
