ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has handed over a comprehensive counterterrorism framework to the Afghan Taliban as the second round of bilateral talks concluded in Istanbul, according to diplomatic sources.
A seven-member Pakistani delegation, during the talks in Istanbul on Saturday, reiterated Islamabad’s demand for the dismantling of terrorist and training camps operating inside Afghanistan, Express News reported.
During the meeting, which lasted for nine hours, Pakistan presented a comprehensive draft proposal, which the Taliban authorities are currently reviewing. Islamabad also reaffirmed its firm stance against extremist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij and other militant organisations.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the negotiations aimed to build consensus on mechanisms to address cross-border security challenges and curb terrorist activities. The Afghan delegation was led by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujib.
Further discussions are expected over the next two days as both sides work to find common ground on key security issues.
The discussions followed the Doha round of October 18–19, which led to a temporary truce and a mutual pledge to develop a long-term mechanism for cooperation. Pakistani officials say the ceasefire has largely held, a sign that diplomatic engagement is yielding results.
During his weekly press briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that Pakistan looks forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism in the Istanbul talks to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Islamabad.
“As a responsible state committed to regional peace and stability, Pakistan does not seek escalation but urges the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitment to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the TTP and BLA,” he added.
Pakistan has also proposed a joint oversight body, co-chaired by Turkiye and Qatar, to ensure compliance and transparency. The mechanism would monitor cross-border movements, track militant financing, and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing — all priorities long advocated by Islamabad.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul deteriorated earlier this month as Afghan Taliban fighters and allied terrorist groups launched attacks on Pakistani border posts and civilian areas.
Pakistani forces retaliated strongly, killing several terrorists and compelling others to retreat.
After several days of intense clashes, both sides agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” on 19 October to prevent further escalation.
However, officials in Islamabad maintain that the presence of TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan remains a serious threat to Pakistan’s internal security.
