Security Crisis Dominates Istanbul Talks; Kabul Denies Islamabad’s Claims of Harbouring TTP Militants
ISTANBUL: Delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan have exchanged blame over brief cross-border clashes, with security forces trading fire just as the two countries met in Istanbul, Turkey, for the third round of talks aimed at finalising a fragile ceasefire.
The negotiations are intended to implement a truce initially agreed upon on October 19 in Qatar, which had temporarily ended a week of deadly fighting last month that killed dozens of people, including soldiers and civilians, and left hundreds injured.
Security remains the central and most contentious issue on the agenda. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government in Afghanistan of harbouring groups like the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), which Islamabad blames for a surge in militant attacks within Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul firmly denies the allegations.
The flare-up occurred as the third round of talks got underway in Istanbul. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reported that Pakistani forces opened fire on Spin Boldak in Kandahar province, raising concerns among the local population.
The exchange of fire underscores the deep mistrust and volatile security situation along the shared border, placing immediate strain on the diplomatic effort to formalise a lasting cessation of hostilities. Both sides had previously agreed to extend the temporary truce to facilitate the Istanbul negotiations.