ISLAMABAD: The second round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to firm up an uneasy truce is still underway in Istanbul, with discussions focused on a three-point agenda that includes setting up a joint monitoring and oversight mechanism to curb cross-border militant movement, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday. 

The talks in Istanbul, which began on Saturday and are expected to continue into Sunday, mark the latest attempt by Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent a relapse into violence after the worst border fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.

Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted earlier this month after Islamabad demanded the Taliban rein in militants it says are attacking Pakistan from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Kabul denies the allegations. 

Pakistan launched airstrikes across the border earlier this month, after which both sides exchanged heavy fire, killing dozens and prompting the closure of key crossings that remain shut. Both countries reached a ceasefire agreement last week thanks to mediation from Qatar and Turkiye, and agreed to meet in Istanbul on Oct. 25 to ensure the peace lasts. 

“The second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban has not yet concluded, with deliberations on Pakistan’s proposal still underway in Istanbul,” state-run Pakistan TV Digital reported on Sunday, citing intelligence sources. 

Citing intelligence sources, the state media said talks between the two sides on Saturday lasted nine hours, focusing on a three-point agenda: establishing a joint monitoring and oversight mechanism to curb cross-border militant movement; ensuring respect for national sovereignty under existing laws and international obligations; and addressing trade matters, refugee repatriation, and the separation of bilateral issues from internal political pressures. 

While the Afghan delegation is being led by its deputy interior minister, Hajji Najib, Islamabad has not said who it has sent to the talks. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, however, warned on Saturday that if both sides fail to reach an agreement, it would mean “open war.”

“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” he said in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”

Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, especially in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province bordering Afghanistan, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. 

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit has launched some of the deadliest attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and security forces in the country since 2007 in its bid to impose its strict brand of Islamic law across the country. 

Pakistan has carried out several military operations in KP for over a decade to drive out the militants from its northwestern tribal areas. Islamabad has vowed that it will not negotiate with TTP militants until they surrender.