Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Hold Third Round Peace Talks

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban resumed peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, marking the third round of negotiations. Previous discussions failed to produce a lasting truce. The talks are mediated jointly by Turkiye and Qatar.

The Pakistani delegation includes senior military officials and civil bureaucracy representatives. Lt Gen Asim Malik, Director General of ISI, leads the team. The Afghan Taliban delegation is headed by Abdul Haq Wasiq, their intelligence chief.

Tensions escalated last month after Taliban forces attacked Pakistani positions along the border on October 11–12, 2025. Both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Doha on October 19. However, the second Istanbul talks last week failed to secure a long-term peace deal.

The deadlock continues due to the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating inside Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized Islamabad’s “one-point agenda” of stopping cross-border attacks.

Officials expressed hope for regional stability. Pakistan seeks Afghan cooperation in restraining militants and preventing attacks. Both sides continue negotiations under international mediation to restore peace.

Read More : Another Round of Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Should Happen: Taliban

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban’s ambassador to Qatar, said that another round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks should happen. He emphasized that despite recent discussions, both countries have not reached a final agreement, and continued dialogue is needed to resolve ongoing issues.

The second round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan was held recently in Istanbul, Turkey, and lasted for four days. High-level officials from both sides participated, but the discussions ended without a breakthrough.