Afghanistan-Pakistan Track 1.5 Talks Held in Istanbul as Airstrikes Reported in Afghan Provinces

The second round of unofficial Track 1.5 talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan took place in Istanbul on the 18th and 19th of Jawza. The discussions, held under the title 'From Courtesy to Closeness,' occurred in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, the Humanitarian Aid Foundation IHACH announced. The foundation said the meetings were aimed at building mutual trust and understanding as well as promoting regional stability and prosperity.

Pakistani military airstrikes targeted parts of three Afghan provinces on the final day of the Istanbul meeting. The strikes killed civilians and destroyed residential homes.

Political analyst Enayatullah Hamam stated that holding such meetings is better than having none. He said they allow the Afghan side to register its voice and protests through diplomatic channels. Hamam noted that previous meetings, including the China-mediated Urumqi meeting and earlier Istanbul talks, had resulted in a decrease in conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Political analyst Najibullah Bahadur said Pakistan's actions aim to deceive its own public opinion and the international community on matters such as the TTP. Despite diplomatic efforts involving Turkey, Qatar, and China, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations continue to encounter significant challenges.