As border tensions strain the ceasefire, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue their third day of reconciliation negotiations.

In the midst of persistent border tensions and recent severe fighting, peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan began their third day on October 27, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.  By the end of the day, no deal had been reached despite hours of meetings facilitated by Qatar and hosted by Turkey.  Following horrific border battles that claimed the lives of numerous soldiers and civilians, a ceasefire agreement was reached on October 19.

Both nations’ representatives attested to the ongoing talks, despite reports that the Afghan group regularly conferred with Kabul and rejected Pakistani suggestions.  Afghanistan refuted Pakistan’s accusations that the Afghan Taliban administration was providing sanctuary to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists who were responsible for a rise in cross-border attacks.  Pakistani officials underlined the necessity of taking decisive action and stressed that they offered verified proof of TTP activity from Afghan territory.

While the United States, led by President Donald Trump, promised assistance in resolving the problem quickly, Turkey sought to encourage fruitful conversations. All border crossings have been closed for two weeks, which has crippled trade between the two nations, leaving products stranded and negatively impacting local populations. By midnight, a joint statement was anticipated but had not yet been made public.

Amid border tensions, peace negotiations come to a deadlock:

• Amidst persistent border tensions, recent peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mediated by Turkey and held in Istanbul, have come to a deadlock.  The three-day negotiations were intended to address the ceasefire violations and frequent skirmishes along their shared border.  By the end of the negotiations, no agreement had been reached despite efforts.
• Important details regarding the deadlock include:
• Pakistan claimed that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists responsible for cross-border assaults were being supported by the Afghan Taliban government.
• These accusations were refuted by Afghanistan, which was said to be cautious when reacting to Pakistani suggestions and to frequently consult with Kabul.
• Pakistan emphasized the need for immediate action while presenting proof of TTP activities from Afghan territory.
• Trade and local communities have been negatively impacted by the border crossings’ closure for more than two weeks.
• The United States supported Turkey in hosting the negotiations, but neither a joint statement nor a settlement was reached at the conclusion of the meetings.
• Strong distrust and unresolved extremist threats continue to impede peace attempts, underscoring the complexity of the security and political challenges between the two nations.  To progress toward a long-term solution, more discussion and steps to foster confidence will be required.