Pakistan confirmed that its next round of talks with Afghanistan will take place on November 6 and signaled that it hopes the discussions will produce meaningful progress. Islamabad’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that the government does not seek heightened tensions with Kabul, emphasizing continued commitment to diplomatic engagement even as security concerns persist. The dialogue follows renewed friction earlier in the month, temporarily defused through a ceasefire arrangement that both sides agreed to extend. Previous rounds were held in Doha and Istanbul, where mediators attempted to broker an agreement on cross-border security challenges.
Despite extended sessions in Istanbul, the talks ended without resolution on key disputes, particularly Pakistan's demand that Afghan authorities prevent militant groups from operating across the border. Andrabi stated that Pakistan participated constructively while maintaining its position that Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks inside Pakistan. He reiterated that Islamabad expects the Taliban administration to uphold its international commitments, implement verifiable measures against groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and address what Pakistan characterizes as legitimate security threats.
The spokesperson noted that Pakistan has pressed Afghanistan for four years to take decisive action against militants, warning that continued provocations could prompt a firm response. At the same time, the government maintains that escalation is not its objective and that sustained dialogue remains the preferred path forward. Turkiye played a diplomatic role in pushing negotiations forward following a deadlock in Istanbul, underscoring regional interest in stabilizing relations between the two neighbors.
Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rebutted Taliban assertions that TTP fighters entering Pakistan are merely refugees returning from Afghanistan. He argued that their covert border crossings and heavy weapons indicate organized militant activity rather than civilian movement. Asif stated that normal relations with Kabul are contingent on concrete steps to curb cross-border attacks, suggesting that internal elements within Afghanistan’s administration may be supporting militant actors. He stressed that Pakistan is seeking assurances backed by demonstrable action, framing trust as conditional in the current security environment.
