Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities are reportedly preparing for a second round of negotiations to be held in Turkey, sources familiar with the matter said. The next phase will focus primarily on technical discussions between the two sides, following the Doha ceasefire accord reached earlier this month, Khaama.com reports.
The talks come amid growing criticism in Afghanistan after Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the agreement as “classified,” sparking demands for transparency. Afghananistan politicians and civil society figures argue that citizens have a right to know the full contents of any deal affecting national interests.
Earlier, Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid confirmed that both sides had agreed to a permanent ceasefire and the creation of a joint framework for strengthening political and economic ties under the supervision of Turkey and Qatar.
However, Islamabad’s differing account of the deal, and its insistence on secrecy, has fueled speculation about possible discussions involving the disputed Durand Line—an issue that has long strained relations between the two neighbors. Citizens and political figures urged the Taliban to make the text of the accord public, saying, “People have the right to know what has been agreed in their name.”
The controversy has deepened mistrust at a time when Afghanistan and Pakistan are seeking to stabilize their volatile border, where clashes in recent weeks led to casualties and disrupted trade.
In the first round of talks held in Doha, both sides agreed on temporary mechanisms to prevent cross-border attacks and explore long-term cooperation, but many details were left unresolved.
Analysts say the upcoming talks in Turkey will be a crucial test of both countries’ commitment to dialogue. Yet, without public disclosure of the Doha agreement, skepticism within Afghanistan remains high.
Diplomats in the region warn that without transparency and clear implementation mechanisms, even a formal ceasefire could fail to prevent future flare-ups along the Durand Line, where security, sovereignty, and historical grievances continue to collide.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 22, 2025