Afghan and Pakistani delegations met in Istanbul to shore up a Qatar-brokered ceasefire after fresh, deadly border exchanges threatened to undo the truce. Both sides traded accusations over who opened fire, while residents reported civilian deaths and damaged homes. The talks are being overshadowed by disputes over the TTP and Islamic State affiliates — issues that analysts say could derail the process and risk renewed hostilities.
Afghan and Pakistani Negotiators Meet in Istanbul to Save Qatar-Brokered Truce After Deadly Border Clashes
Afghan and Pakistani delegations met in Istanbul to shore up a Qatar-brokered ceasefire after fresh, deadly border exchanges threatened to undo the truce. Both sides traded accusations over who opened fire, while residents reported civilian deaths and damaged homes. The talks are being overshadowed by disputes over the TTP and Islamic State affiliates — issues that analysts say could derail the process and risk renewed hostilities.
18:15, 07.11.2025Conflict
Negotiators Race to Preserve Truce After Short but Deadly Border Exchange
Afghan and Pakistani delegations met in Istanbul on Friday for intensive talks to formalise a ceasefire agreed in Qatar last month, after renewed border fighting threatened the fragile truce. The clashes, which residents say lasted only minutes, nonetheless left civilians dead, homes damaged and communities fearful of a wider escalation.
Local impact: In Spin Boldak, Afghan residents described sudden gunfire and mounting distress. A district hospital official said four women and one man were killed, while AFP journalists reported damaged homes. Over the border in Chaman, Pakistani labourer Muhibullah Achakzai recounted that he was playing cricket when the shooting erupted; locals on both sides issued urgent pleas for protection.
Accusations and responses: The Taliban-run Afghan authorities accused Pakistani forces of opening fire on Spin Boldak, while Pakistan denied the claim, saying Afghan forces fired first and that its troops reacted "in a measured and responsible manner." Pakistan’s information ministry said the situation was brought under control and affirmed Islamabad’s commitment to continued dialogue.
Core disputes: Negotiations are strained by mutual accusations over militant sanctuaries. Islamabad blames Kabul for harbouring groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which regularly claims attacks inside Pakistan; the Afghan Taliban deny sheltering the TTP. Kabul, in turn, opposes any use of Afghan soil or airspace by third countries or extremist groups such as Islamic State affiliates active in eastern Afghanistan.
Officials and independent observers warn that unresolved issues — especially the TTP and IS presence — remain the "elephant in the room," complicating efforts to convert a temporary halt in fighting into a lasting settlement. Negotiations hit a snag last week over ceasefire details, with both sides accusing the other of blocking progress.
Voices from the border: "We have children, young boys. This is now our daily routine. It all needs to stop so we can live our lives," said Enayatullah, 30, from Spin Boldak. "We ask both governments to pay attention to us — to agree on a truce, and to keep the war away from us," added Noor Mohammed, 35.
Casualties and outlook: According to the United Nations, October’s fighting left 50 Afghan civilians dead and 447 wounded. Pakistan’s army reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded. Both delegations have warned that hostilities could resume if talks collapse, and analysts caution that the fragile truce requires concrete guarantees and reciprocal action to hold.
Negotiators in Istanbul face a narrow window to translate ceasefire pledges into enforceable steps that protect civilians, address cross-border militant threats and build enough trust to prevent a return to large-scale clashes.