Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding key negotiations in Istanbul, where senior officials from both countries are discussing measures to curb terrorism and address ongoing border tensions. 

According to sources, the talks are taking place at a local hotel in Istanbul and are being hosted by senior Turkish officials.

A two-member delegation is representing Pakistan in the negotiations, while the Afghan side is led by Deputy Interior Minister Rehmatullah Mujib. The Afghan delegation also includes the acting head of the Afghan Embassy in Qatar, brother of the Afghan Interior Minister Anas Haqqani, Noor Ahmad Noor, Ministry of Defence official Noor-ur-Rehman Nusrat, and the spokesperson of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Also Read: Students Protest Headmistress’ Transfer at Government Girls High School Alam Gudar

Sources said the talks focus on forming a joint mechanism to monitor terror-related incidents. Pakistan has proposed measures to prevent terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, along with monitoring procedures and joint security initiatives.

It is worth mentioning that the first round of Qatar- and Türkiye-brokered talks was held in Doha, which resulted in a temporary ceasefire between the two countries.

Meanwhile, due to heightened Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, border crossings in Chaman, Khyber, South and North Waziristan, and Kurram remained closed for the 16th consecutive day. Hundreds of cargo vehicles are still stranded at Bab-e-Dosti, Torkham, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan borders.