Dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad resumed in Istanbul on Saturday, marking the continuation of the Doha negotiations. The discussions centred on extending the ceasefire and ensuring mutual respect for territorial integrity, including airspace and landspace sovereignty, reports 24brussels.

A high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate, led by Deputy Minister of Interior Rahmatullah Najib, represents Afghanistan at the meeting. The Afghan delegation comprises Suhail Shaheen, Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan in Qatar; Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate; Noor Ahmad Noor, Director General of Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry; Noorul Rahman Nusrat, Deputy for Operations at the Ministry of Defense; and Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.

Political analyst Aziz Stanekzai described this round of talks as “the final phase” and asserted it will “open a new chapter between Afghanistan and Pakistan, allowing both sides to cooperate peacefully, based on the UN Charter and international conventions.” He further remarked that “Pakistan must show respect and refrain from targeting Afghanistan’s airspace.”

On the Pakistani side, a seven-member team consisting of diplomats and intelligence officials from Islamabad is participating in the negotiations. Tolo News reported that the discussions are focused on four key areas: establishing a monitoring mechanism to prevent hostile actions, implementing existing laws to safeguard national sovereignty, reviewing the root causes of Pakistan’s security challenges over the past two decades, and addressing trade barriers as well as the forced deportation of Afghan refugees.

Political analyst Fazl Manan Muntaz noted that “the Doha meeting, followed by the Istanbul talks, shows that Afghanistan’s policy is to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy.” He added that this “clearly reflects the Islamic Emirate’s intention to solve all domestic and external problems through negotiations.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning, stating that if talks fail, “we have options; if negotiations do not yield results and everything remains unchanged, one of the options is open confrontation between us.” He indicated that discussions began “two to three hours ago, and their results will become clear by tonight or tomorrow,” according to Tolo News.

Former Afghan diplomat in Pakistan Amir Mohammad Gharan expressed skepticism regarding Islamabad’s intentions, stating, “It is good that issues are being addressed through negotiations, but we do not believe Pakistan acts sincerely. We’ve witnessed previous talks where Pakistan behaved dishonestly and non-transparently.” Earlier, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, emphasized that “peace and stability in the region require sincere dialogue and cooperation,” while Pakistani officials echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for “responsible management of disputes.”