Turkey Mediates as Pakistan and Afghanistan Seek Peace Deal After Border Tensions

A high-level Turkish delegation is traveling to Pakistan to revive stalled peace talks with Afghanistan. This follows a recent breakdown in negotiations and a public warning from the Taliban government in Kabul. The talks aim to establish a permanent ceasefire between the two neighbors.

According to Reuters, the delegation includes Turkey’s foreign minister, defense minister, and intelligence chief. Their mission is to discuss the ongoing dialogue regarding a peace deal. This comes after Pakistan’s foreign office confirmed the third round of talks concluded last Friday.

Commitment to Dialogue Amidst Tensions

Pakistan has stated it remains committed to resolving differences with Afghanistan through dialogue. However, its foreign ministry emphasized that addressing terrorism emanating from Afghan soil is a core concern. This official statement marks Pakistan’s first acknowledgement that the latest round of negotiations has ended.

The two sides had previously met in Istanbul. They were working to cement a truce initially agreed upon in Qatar on October 19. That truce followed cross-border fire that killed dozens of people. Turkey’s President Erdogan confirmed the visit aims to secure a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.

Taliban’s Stark Warning to Pakistan

The Taliban government blames Pakistan for the failure of the Turkey and Qatar-mediated talks. A report from the Associated Press quoted Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. He termed Pakistan’s demands as unreasonable and stated they stagnated the peace process.

Mujahid said Afghanistan does not want regional insecurity and that war is not its first choice. He then issued a stark warning. “If war breaks out, we have the right to defend ourselves,” he stated. Islamabad consistently accuses Kabul of harboring militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the Afghan Taliban deny.

The path to a lasting peace remains fragile, but international mediation continues. The success of these Pakistan Afghanistan peace talks is critical for regional stability, with all sides now watching the high-level Turkish intervention closely.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Dozens were killed in cross-border fire in October. Pakistan also accuses Afghanistan of sheltering the TTP militant group, which launches attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban deny these allegations.

Who is mediating the peace talks?

Turkey and Qatar are acting as mediators. A high-level Turkish delegation involving foreign and defense officials is now involved in the process to help broker a deal.

What is Pakistan’s main condition for peace?

Pakistan’s primary demand is for Afghanistan to address terrorism. Its foreign ministry stated that terrorism emanating from Afghan soil is a core concern that needs to be addressed first.

How has the Taliban government responded?

The Taliban government blamed Pakistan for the stalled talks. It also warned that while it prefers peace, it reserves the right to defend itself if a war breaks out.

Where have the previous talks been held?

Previous negotiation rounds have been held in Doha, Qatar and Istanbul, Turkey. The parties are working to build on a truce agreed upon in Qatar in October.