Istanbul talks between Taliban-linked figures, Pakistan produce draft deal

Informal talks between representatives close to the Taliban and Pakistan have concluded in Istanbul, with both sides reaching a general understanding on issues related to militant groups, sources told Afghanistan International.

According to the sources, the discussions were conducted in a “focused and frank” manner. The two sides reached an understanding on matters concerning Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State, two groups that have long been central to tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

The sources said negotiators proposed that the Taliban designate the TTP as a terrorist organisation, while Pakistan would acknowledge the presence of the Islamic State within its own territory. Representatives close to both sides have finalised a draft agreement reflecting these points, although the text has not yet been made public.

Despite the reported progress, differences remain over the formal designation of the TTP as a terrorist group, an issue that has repeatedly stalled past negotiations.

It is also unclear whether the Taliban administration will ultimately accept the outcome of these informal talks, even though earlier reports indicated that the delegations participating in the discussions had been approved by both the Taliban authorities and Pakistan.

In previous formal rounds of negotiations held in Doha, Istanbul, Riyadh and Urumqi, the Taliban had rejected similar demands from Pakistan to classify the TTP as a terrorist organisation.

Sources had earlier confirmed that individuals close to the Taliban administration and the Pakistani government were engaged in discussions in Istanbul aimed at finding ways to resolve longstanding disputes. They noted that this marked the first time the Taliban had agreed to allow a “non-Taliban” delegation to negotiate on issues related to Afghanistan.

Earlier reports also indicated that the Istanbul meeting was conducted with the approval of both the Taliban administration and Pakistan, and with the support of Türkiye.

The agenda for the talks was broad, covering the activities of the TTP and Islamic State, border clashes, Pakistani air and ground strikes, economic conditions, and the issue of migrants.

Previous formal negotiations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan in Doha, Istanbul, Riyadh and Urumqi have failed to produce tangible results.

By Tamilla Hasanova