Cross-Border Calm Holds as Pakistan, Taliban Move Talks to Istanbul
FO says next round will aim to finalise terror monitoring plan
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said on Friday that no major terrorist attack had originated from Afghanistan since the Doha ceasefire. Officials described the development as a positive sign as talks between Islamabad and the Taliban regime move to Istanbul for the next round.
During his first weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the truce reached in Doha earlier this week had “largely held.”
“There has been no large-scale terrorist attack from Afghan soil in the last few days,” Andrabi stated. “The Doha talks proved useful, and we hope for continued progress in Istanbul.”
Pakistan Seeks Concrete Action from Kabul
Andrabi stressed that Pakistan expects the Taliban to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism. He said Islamabad had joined the peace process with “sincerity of purpose and intent.”
According to Andrabi, the main goal is to set up a verifiable system that ensures the Taliban government acts against TTP and other militant groups targeting Pakistan.
The Doha agreement followed delegation-level talks led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. These meetings focused on ending cross-border violence and restoring peace along the frontier. The next session, hosted by Türkiye in Istanbul on October 25, will aim to finalise the monitoring framework.
Pakistan Downplays Dispute Over Terminology
When asked about Afghan claims denying a formal deal, Andrabi said Pakistan did not care about labels.
“We are not concerned whether the Taliban call it a truce, an agreement, or a treaty,” he said. “What matters is that both sides reached a meaningful understanding.”
Security Comes Before Trade
Andrabi said Pakistan continues to take Afghan threats seriously. He emphasised that citizens’ safety is more important than trade.
“There have been armed attacks at border crossings used for Afghan transit trade,” he said. “For us, protecting lives comes before any trade activity.”
Although Andrabi did not reveal who will lead Pakistan’s team in Istanbul, he confirmed that a representative delegation will attend.
Kunar River Dam Under Review
Responding to a question about the Taliban’s plan to build a dam on the Kunar River, Andrabi said Pakistan is reviewing the issue carefully.
“Transboundary rivers fall under international law,” he noted. “Since Pakistan is both an upper and lower riparian, we will handle this matter accordingly.”
Islamabad Reaffirms Desire for Peace
Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan still seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“Our message to the Taliban is clear — stop these attacks and arrest the TTP militants,” he said. “If they keep their promises, relations can return to normal. We are asking only for commitment, not the impossible.”
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