Reports indicate that the two-day meeting in Istanbul, chaired by pro-Taliban politician Jafar Mehdi and Pakistani politician Mushahid Hussain, concluded with positive outcomes and is considered an important preliminary step toward the initiation of formal talks between Pakistan and the Taliban.
According to sources, both sides have informally assessed the results of the meeting as positive and view it as a significant step toward formal negotiations in the coming weeks.
Organizers stated that previously there had been no conducive environment for direct talks between the Taliban and Pakistan, but this meeting could help fill that gap and open a new direction for relations.
The discussions reportedly covered the reduction of violence, the reopening of routes, the resumption of medical and educational visas, and facilitating the movement of traders.
A proposal was also discussed for a joint security cooperation mechanism under which both sides would share information regarding threats posed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and coordinate possible actions.
In the area of migration, discussions were also held on implementing processes in line with international standards under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Sources add that in the coming weeks, official delegations from both sides are expected to begin talks on practical details and implementation mechanisms, although a final decision regarding the level and composition of the delegations has not yet been made.
It is said that both sides have agreed to the structural framework of the talks proposed by Turkey, an initiative regarded as an important step toward reducing regional tensions.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have been strained since late 2025 due to clashes and tensions along the Durand Line, which in several instances have resulted in casualties and displacement.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
