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Mediation

Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire, Resuming Talks in Istanbul

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold peace talks in Istanbul next week, maintaining a ceasefire until then, after the deadliest clashes between the South Asian neighbors since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The talks follow October 9 explosions in Kabul, which Taliban authorities blamed on Pakistan, killing more than 70 people and wounding hundreds. Both sides have agreed to continue the ceasefire, with its modalities to be examined and decided at a high-level meeting in Istanbul.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire, with talks scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul.
  • The talks follow the deadliest clashes between the two nations since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, resulting in more than 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
  • Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has stressed that Afghans "do not want war," but defending territory is a priority.
  • Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured in recent years, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harbouring militant groups, which the Taliban government has denied.
  • A ceasefire has been in place since earlier talks, but the border has remained closed for over two weeks, hurting traders on both sides.
  • The UN mission in Afghanistan reported that violence had killed at least 50 Afghan civilians and wounded 447 others in one week.
  • Pakistan's military reported 23 personnel killed and 29 wounded without specifying civilian casualties.
  • A Pakistani security source, state broadcaster PTV, and Afghanistan's state-run broadcaster RTA all confirmed the talks were likely to resume.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded in violence that erupted after explosions in Kabul on October 9.
  • The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported that at least 50 Afghan civilians were killed and 447 wounded in one week.
  • Pakistan's military reported 23 personnel were killed and 29 wounded in violence.
  • A 2,600-kilometre (1,600-mile) border separates Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • The talks are scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul.
  • The border has remained closed for over two weeks.

Sources:

  • Turkey's foreign ministry
  • Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV
  • Afghanistan's state-run broadcaster RTA
  • AFP
  • Hindustan Times
  • The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

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