ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan has agreed to resume the peace talks with the Afghan Taliban under the mediation of Turkiye and Qatar.
According to sources, the Pakistani delegation, which was initially ready to return home, has now decided to extend its stay in Istanbul to take the talks forward.
According to diplomatic sources, the decision to resume the talks was taken at the request of international mediators and regional host countries.
These countries urged both sides to move towards resolving the issues through dialogue. Pakistan has decided to give peace another chance by resuming talks with the Afghan Taliban.
Main point of the talks
According to sources, the axis of the talks is the same as what Pakistan has been raising since day one. Pakistan’s position is that Afghanistan should take clear, verifiable, and effective action against terrorist groups present on its soil.
The Pakistani delegation reiterated its position that attacks on its citizens and security forces will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Terrorism and Border Control
Pakistan has demanded from Afghan authorities that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. Emphasis was also placed on effective control over the movement of militants in the border areas, sources stated.
According to diplomatic circles, this development in Istanbul is a positive signal. It can help restore an atmosphere of trust between the two countries. Representatives of the United Nations and some regional countries may participate in the talks as observers.
It should be remembered that the talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan stalled a few months ago when terrorist attacks increased in the border areas. According to Pakistani officials, these attacks were the result of operations carried out from Afghan soil.
Sources say that if the current talks progress in a positive direction, a new framework regarding security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and border arrangements is likely to be agreed upon between the two countries in the future.
