Informal Istanbul talks aim to ease Pakistan-Taliban tensions
Track 1.5 dialogue facilitated by Türkiye and Qatar seeks de-escalation as violence continues along border
ISTANBUL (MNTV) — Informal talks involving figures from Afghanistan and Pakistan were held in Istanbul this week in an effort to ease rising tensions between the two sides, according to the Turkish humanitarian organization IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation.
The discussions, facilitated by Qatar and Türkiye, took place under a “Track 1.5” format, bringing together former officials, experts and individuals close to policymaking circles to explore sensitive issues without formal diplomatic commitments.
The initiative, titled “Afghanistan and Pakistan: A dialogue in the spirit of Ta’aruf – 1,” was opened by IHH president Bülent Yıldırım and coordinated by board member Abdullah Altay, the organization said.
In a statement, IHH said the aim of the talks was to address key disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, explore possible solutions and contribute to long-term peace efforts.
The Express Tribune, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that both sides acknowledged the need for de-escalation, though the process had no formal mandate.
The Afghan delegation included former diplomat Atif Mashal, former MP Obaidullah Bahir, Jafar Mahdawi and Ghuncha Gul. Pakistan was represented by former special envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani, former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, journalist Hamid Mir and Senator Sitara Ayaz.
The Istanbul meeting follows a series of similar informal engagements held in China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as regional actors seek to reduce tensions between the two neighbors.
Relations between the two sides have deteriorated since late February, when border clashes led to the closure of crossings and heavy casualties, particularly among civilians. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported significant civilian deaths during the violence.
Neither the Taliban nor Pakistan has publicly commented on the Istanbul talks.
Recent exchanges have included cross-border strikes, with Afghan officials reporting Pakistani operations in Kunar province that left several people dead. Pakistan has denied targeting civilian areas and accused armed groups operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks with Taliban support.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said a ceasefire could only hold if attacks from Afghan soil cease, while rejecting claims of strikes on civilian infrastructure as “propaganda.”
The Taliban, in turn, has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas.
The UK Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, recently described the ongoing clashes and civilian casualties as “concerning” and urged restraint.
Despite five rounds of talks and multiple mediation efforts, including earlier discussions in China, no breakthrough has been achieved in resolving the deadlock.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
