Make or break talks: Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to meet in Istanbul today

Upcoming dialogue is a follow-up to earlier talks that produced a last-minute interim deal

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime are set to hold crucial talks in Istanbul amid heightened tensions following deadly border clashes and Pakistan’s growing frustration over continued cross-border attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Pakistani delegation led by Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik reportedly left for Istanbul on Wednesday, according to sources. The Istanbul meeting is a follow-up of earlier talks that last for five days and salvaged a last minute interim deal.

The Afghan delegation led by intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, also includes Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, and senior Taliban leaders Sohail Shaheen and Anas Haqqani, who are already in Istanbul. The principal-level meeting between the two sides, facilitated by Turkiye and Qatar, will focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, border management, and a mechanism to prevent further escalations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.

Last month’s heavy clashes along borders left several casualties on both sides and prompted Pakistan to close key crossings. In recent weeks, Pakistani security forces have intensified operations against terrorists, many of whom, according to Islamabad, continue to operate from Afghan soil. Pakistan maintains that the TTP leadership enjoys safe havens inside Afghanistan and has repeatedly urged Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif, in an informal briefing to journalists, warned that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a breach of the ceasefire and “responded to with full force.” “If Afghanistan’s soil is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the truce will be null and void,” he said, adding that Pakistan had exercised restraint despite repeated provocations but would no longer tolerate violations.

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According to the military’s estimates, at least 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 110 TTP militants have been killed in recent border skirmishes. Pakistani officials also claim that a significant number of militants involved in attacks inside Pakistan were Afghan nationals.

Diplomatic sources said the Istanbul dialogue will focus on establishing a verifiable mechanism for preventing cross-border infiltration and sharing intelligence on militant movements. Pakistan will push for tangible action against the TTP and the dismantling of their training and logistical camps inside Afghanistan.

The Afghan side, meanwhile, is expected to raise concerns about Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghan territory and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees. Kabul maintains that it does not support cross-border attacks and has urged Islamabad to address “internal security lapses” rather than blame Afghanistan.

The upcoming talks are being held under the joint facilitation of Turkiye and Qatar, both of which played a role in the recent Doha ceasefire understanding. Ankara and Doha are reportedly pushing for a long-term framework to prevent a complete breakdown in Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, which could destabilise the wider region.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove to be a “make-or-break” moment. A failure to reach an understanding on counter-terror measures could lead to further border militarisation, closure of crossings, and disruption of trade between the two countries.

A senior Pakistani official told The Express Tribune that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric.” He added, “Pakistan’s position is simple...Afghan soil must not be used for attacks on Pakistan. If that commitment is not honoured, all options are on the table.”