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Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Regime Agree to Extend Ceasefire in Istanbul Talks

By Sajid Khan

ISLAMABD — Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have agreed to extend their ceasefire following six days of negotiations in Istanbul, according to a joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Friday.

The talks were mediated by Türkiye and Qatar.

The meetings, held from October 25 to 30, aimed to solidify the initial truce reached between the two sides in Doha on October 18–19, also under Turkish and Qatari mediation. The statement confirmed that “all parties have agreed on continuation of the ceasefire.”

According to the joint communiqué, the parties will reconvene in Istanbul on November 6 for a principal-level meeting to finalize the modalities for implementing the ceasefire. Both sides have also agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure compliance and impose penalties on any violations.

“Türkiye and Qatar express their appreciation for the active contribution of both parties and stand ready to continue cooperation with both sides for lasting peace and stability,” the statement added.

Diplomatic sources said the next round of talks is expected to include the defense ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan, as both sides work to strengthen the truce and prevent further cross-border clashes.

The Istanbul talks mark a significant step forward after months of heightened tensions and border skirmishes between the two neighbors.