ANI
26 Oct 2025, 10:03 GMT+10
Istanbul [Turkey], October 26 (ANI): Dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad resumed in Istanbul on Saturday, marking the continuation of the Doha negotiations, with discussions centred on extending the ceasefire and ensuring mutual respect for territorial integrity, including airspace and landspace sovereignty.
According to Tolo News, a high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate, led by Deputy Minister of Interior Rahmatullah Najib, is representing Afghanistan at the meeting.
The Afghan delegation includes Suhail Shaheen, Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan in Qatar; Anas Haqqani, 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', adding that 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 said, 'Pakistan must show respect and refrain from targeting Afghanistan's airspace.'
On the Pakistani side, a seven-member team comprising diplomats and intelligence officials from Islamabad is participating in the negotiations.
Tolo News reported that discussions are focused on four major 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 said the discussions began 'two to three hours ago, and their results will become clear by tonight or tomorrow,' Tolo News reported.
Former Afghan diplomat in Pakistan Amir Mohammad Gharan voiced scepticism over Islamabad's intentions, saying, '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, emphasised 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'. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Arab Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Arab Herald.
More InformationIstanbul [Turkey], October 26 (ANI): Dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad resumed in Istanbul on Saturday, marking the continuation...
Patna (Bihar) [India], October 26 (ANI): Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi hailed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling him the...
Istanbul [Turkey], October 26 (ANI): Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad will enter into an 'open war'...
Patna (Bihar) [India], October 26 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday accused previous governments of not doing any...
New Delhi [India], October 25 (ANI): The Patiala House Court has dismissed an appeal filed by advocate Mehmood Pracha challenging the...
Steve Bannon says a three-state solution is necessary to end the war in Gaza for good A three-state solution is needed to end the...
BEIRUT, Lebanon: A Lebanese pop singer who became an Islamist militant appeared in a Beirut court this week for the first time after...
Washington DC [US], October 26 (ANI): United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra,...
Washington DC [US], October 26 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Hamas to 'quickly' return the bodies...
Doha [Qatar], October 26 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Sunday yet again claimed credit for stopping hostilities between...
Doha [Qatar], October 26 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed confidence in achieving lasting peace in the...
Istanbul [Turkey], October 26 (ANI): Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad will enter into an 'open war'...
