Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to keep their ceasefire dialogue open, with a final review scheduled for November 6, 2025, in Istanbul. The decision follows several days of diplomatic talks between the two countries, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar.
According to Turkish authorities, all relevant stakeholders have reached a mutual understanding to maintain the existing ceasefire, while technical discussions about the implementation mechanism will continue in the coming week.
These developments come just weeks after violent border exchanges, which triggered renewed international concern. Earlier, a Doha-based round of talks on October 19 had already achieved a preliminary agreement to de-escalate tensions.
The Istanbul negotiations were aimed at strengthening that fragile truce and finding a framework for long-term peace. Afghan interim spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that both sides have agreed to sustain communication channels and work toward mutual understanding.
Speaking to local media, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that Islamabad extended its participation in the Istanbul talks at the request of Türkiye and Qatar, signaling Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy.
Pakistan has long borne the humanitarian and security burden of instability in Afghanistan, hosting over 4 million Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion. However, terrorist attacks claimed by TTP have complicated bilateral relations in recent years.
Despite differences, both Islamabad and Kabul now appear determined to prioritize dialogue over conflict. Analysts believe the Istanbul talks could mark a turning point in regional peacebuilding efforts, paving the way for reduced cross-border tensions and enhanced cooperation.
If the November 6 meeting concludes successfully, it could become a cornerstone moment in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, setting an example of diplomacy in a region often overshadowed by conflict.
