Informal talks held in Istanbul to ease Taliban-Pakistan tensions

Informal talks between figures from Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at easing Taliban-Pakistan tensions were held in Istanbul this week, with Qatar and Turkey facilitating the discussions, according to the Turkish aid organization, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation.

The talks, titled “Afghanistan and Pakistan: A dialogue in the spirit of Ta’aruf – 1”, were conducted under a “Track 1.5” format, bringing together former officials, experts and individuals close to policymaking circles to allow discussion of sensitive issues without formal diplomatic commitments.

The Turkish humanitarian organization IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation said the process was launched with an opening speech by its president, Bülent Yıldırım, and coordinated by board member Abdullah Altay.

In a statement, the organization said the talks aimed to address fundamental issues between “Afghanistan and Pakistan”, explore solutions and contribute to efforts toward lasting peace.

The Express Tribune, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that both sides agreed on the need to work toward de-escalation, though the process did not have a formal mandate.

The Afghanistan side 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, ex-senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, senior journalist Hamid Mir and Senator Sitara Ayaz, the report said.

The Istanbul meeting was the latest in a series of informal initiatives involving regional and international stakeholders, following similar engagements in China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The Taliban-Pakistan tensions heightened in late February when the two sides started attacks against border posts, which led to closure of border crossings and caused heavy casualties, particularly for civilians.

In one of the deadliest incidents, Pakistan’s airstrike on a rehab center killed at least 269 people, according to figures by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

Taliban and Pakistan have not commented on the informal talks in Turkey. The two sides held one-week negotiations in China in April, but the talks could not help ease the tensions.

The two sides have engaged in border clashes over the past week. Pakistan targeted many areas in the eastern province of Kunar this week, leaving at least seven people dead, according to local health officials.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday said a ceasefire can only be sustained if attacks from Afghanistan’s territory stop, alleging that armed groups operate in coordination with Taliban authorities.

A ministry spokesperson said a ceasefire can only be sustained if all armed attacks by Taliban forces and affiliated militant groups against Pakistan come to an end.

The spokesperson also rejected claims of a Pakistani attack on a university in Kunar, describing the allegation as Taliban propaganda.

“Our understanding of a ceasefire is that no attacks should originate from Afghan soil, including by terrorist and armed groups, as these groups operate in close coordination with Taliban authorities,” the spokesperson said.

Taliban have rejected these remarks and, in turn, accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, including claims of strikes in Kunar.

At the same time, Richard Lindsay, the UK special envoy for Afghanistan, who recently concluded a visit to Kabul, has described ongoing border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistan’s military, as well as civilian casualties, as concerning and called for an end to the tensions.

Despite five rounds of talks and mediation efforts by regional countries, there has been little progress in resolving the political and security deadlock between the two sides.