Overview
- Senior security teams led by Pakistan’s ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik and Afghan intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq met in Istanbul under Turkish and Qatari mediation to try to lock in a monitoring and verification system for the October ceasefire.
- Brief cross-border firing near Spin Boldak–Chaman coincided with the talks, with each side blaming the other; Afghan officials reported multiple civilian deaths, including four women, as Pakistan said calm was restored and the truce still holds.
- Pakistan has tabled a one-point demand to halt cross-border attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and has warned it retains military options if diplomacy fails, according to officials.
- The Taliban authorities reject accusations of sheltering Pakistan-focused militants and contend Pakistan’s demands over internal security exceed Kabul’s responsibilities, highlighting the core dispute stalling progress.
- Key border crossings remain largely closed since October’s deadly clashes, and negotiators signaled the Istanbul round could extend as they seek a concrete enforcement plan and penalties for violations.