ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has confirmed that the second phase of dialogue with the Afghan Taliban government is taking place in Istanbul today, following earlier discussions in Doha. Officials described the process as a constructive step, noting that no major terrorist incidents have been reported from Afghan territory in recent days.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, addressing his first weekly briefing, said the Doha understanding had largely held over the past few days. He emphasized that Pakistan’s foremost expectation remains unchanged: Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
Andrabi explained that Islamabad entered the process with “sincerity of purpose,” aiming to establish a verifiable mechanism that ensures Kabul takes tangible action against groups targeting Pakistan. The Doha round, he added, was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and focused on curbing cross-border terrorism and restoring stability along the frontier.
The Istanbul meeting, hosted by Turkey on October 25, is expected to finalize a monitoring framework. While Andrabi did not disclose who will head Pakistan’s delegation, he confirmed that a representative team will participate.
On the issue of Afghan transit trade, the spokesperson reiterated that crossings remain closed due to recent armed incidents at border points. “For us, the lives of Pakistanis are more important than any trade,” he said, stressing that the suspension will continue until the security situation improves.
Responding to questions about Kabul’s planned Kunar River dam, Andrabi said Pakistan is reviewing the matter under international water laws, given its position as both an upstream and downstream state.
He further underlined that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban to curb cross-border attacks and act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups.
“We are not asking for the moon,” he remarked, “only for promises to be honored.”
The spokesperson also highlighted other diplomatic engagements, including the visit of the Polish Foreign Minister, during which two agreements were signed. Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause, noting that the International Court of Justice has issued another advisory opinion against Israel, its fourth since January 2024.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, meanwhile, held separate discussions this week with the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, underscoring Islamabad’s active diplomatic outreach.