Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan will resume in Istanbul on November 6, 2025, as both nations seek to sustain a ceasefire established amid escalating tensions. Türkiye’s foreign ministry confirmed the continuation of discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace, following a series of meetings facilitated by both Türkiye and Qatar.
The recent meetings in Istanbul came on the heels of a previous round of negotiations held in Doha on October 19, 2023, where representatives from Islamabad and Kabul reached an initial ceasefire agreement after a series of deadly border clashes. According to the statement from Türkiye’s foreign ministry, “All parties have agreed to continue the ceasefire. The modalities of its implementation will be examined and decided at a high-level meeting in Istanbul.”
A spokesperson for the Afghan interim administration, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that the dialogues in Istanbul concluded positively, with both sides committed to further discussions. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, was urged to remain in Istanbul to explore avenues for peace at the request of their Qatari and Turkish counterparts.
Pakistan has historically played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s affairs, especially during the Soviet invasion when it hosted nearly four million Afghan refugees. However, ongoing violence within Pakistan, particularly from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has strained relations with the Afghan Taliban, who regained control of Kabul following the withdrawal of US-led forces in 2021.
According to military officials in Pakistan, over 500 individuals, including more than 311 soldiers, have been killed this year due to attacks predominantly attributed to the TTP. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan harbors TTP militants, a claim that the Afghan government denies.
The backdrop of these negotiations is a complex history of conflict and cooperation between the two nations. The recent ceasefire represents a significant step amid persistent violence, and both sides are under pressure to find a sustainable solution.
As the talks approach, there is cautious optimism that diplomatic efforts may yield a resolution to ongoing tensions and lead to a more stable regional environment. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as both nations work through their differences in pursuit of peace.
