Media: Afghanistan, Pakistan achieve breakthrough on ceasefire in Istanbul

Delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan have reportedly secured consensus on several pivotal matters during technical committee negotiations held in Istanbul, aimed at solidifying the ceasefire agreement between the two neighboring nations.

The progress emerged from meetings in the Turkish metropolis, where representatives gathered to elaborate on the details of the truce initially established in Doha on October 19, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The respective delegations "have reached an agreement on many matters during the Istanbul technical committee meeting held to work out ceasefire details." The sources suggested that while numerous issues had been resolved, "other matters expected to be clarified by day's end as negotiations continued." Negotiations were anticipated to extend into the evening, with both sides planning to release a definitive joint statement upon the conclusion of the talks in Istanbul.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Afghan media that the forthcoming joint statement is expected to be comprehensive, addressing several critical, outstanding issues between Kabul and Islamabad.

The key points anticipated in the final communique include a formal extension of the existing ceasefire,

the reopening of primary cross-border roads, protocols for the release of prisoners, the determination of the location and timing for future follow-up meetings.

Sources emphasized that the joint statement would cover these critical elements of the peace and security arrangement between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

By Vafa Guliyeva