Informal
Pak-Afghan
talks in
Istanbul
Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR: Informal discussions reportedly involving Afghan political figures and Pakistani representatives are taking place in Istanbul amid heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries, according to reports citing the US-based outlet Afghanistan International.
Sources claim the meetings bring together individuals linked to the Taliban administration as well as Pakistani personalities described as being close to or supportive of the Government of Pakistan, with the stated aim of exploring possible avenues for easing bilateral tensions.
The informal engagement is said to be conducted with the alleged approval of both the Taliban administration and the Government of Pakistan, and is reportedly being facilitated with diplomatic support from Türkiye, though no official confirmation or statement has been issued by either Islamabad or Kabul.
The Afghan side is reported to include figures such as Jafar Mahdawi, Atif Mashal, Ghuncha Gul Arman, Obaidullah Bahir, and Sulaiman Bin Shah, while the Pakistani participants are said to include former senator Mushahid Hussain, Sitara Ayaz, former diplomat Asif Durrani, Senator Abdul Qadir Khan, and journalist Hamid Mir.
The discussions are understood to cover a range of sensitive issues, including the presence and activities of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS, border clashes along the Durand Line, Pakistan’s security operations, economic concerns, and refugee-related matters.
The reported objective is to develop a broad understanding aimed at reducing tensions and identifying practical mechanisms for managing border security challenges, with proposals under discussion including improved security coordination, mechanisms to prevent cross-border violence, and facilitation of movement for civilians and traders.
Some of the Afghan participants had previously engaged in political consultations regarding return arrangements for exiled figures, while the current talks are being held in a non-official capacity with alleged Turkish mediation. So far, none of the individuals named have publicly confirmed their participation or commented on the alleged meetings, and neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan has issued any official endorsement or denial. Analysts note that, if confirmed, such informal engagements could represent an attempt at backchannel diplomacy amid ongoing frictions between the two countries, though the absence of official acknowledgment leaves the nature, scope, and possible outcomes of the reported discussions unclear.
