Second Round of Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Begins in Istanbul

Istanbul: The **second round of negotiations** between Pakistan and Afghanistan has begun in **Istanbul, Turkey**, with Turkish officials hosting the talks at a local hotel, sources confirmed.

According to diplomatic sources, **Pakistan’s two-member delegation** includes senior security officials, while the **Afghan delegation** is being led by **Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Majeeb**.

Other key Afghan participants include **acting head of the Afghan Embassy in Qatar**, **Anas Haqqani** (brother of the Afghan Interior Minister), **Noor Ahmad Noor**, **Defense Ministry official Noor Rehman Nusrat**, and **Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi**.

Sources said the talks aim to **develop a joint mechanism** for monitoring and addressing **terrorism-related activities**. The Pakistani side has presented proposals focusing on **cross-border terror attacks**, their monitoring, and measures to finalize a **bilateral counterterrorism framework**.

The first round of Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations, mediated by **Qatar and Turkey**, was held in **Doha**, resulting in a **temporary ceasefire** between the two sides.

Meanwhile, due to ongoing **border tensions**, crossings at **Chaman, Khyber, South and North Waziristan, and Kurram** remain closed for the **14th consecutive day**. Hundreds of cargo trucks are stranded at **Torkham, Bab-e-Dosti, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda,** and **Ghulam Khan** border points.