Stalemate in Istanbul: Pakistan and Afghanistan's Peace Talks Extend

Ongoing peace discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul stretched into a third day as both parties struggled to reach an agreement. Officials confirmed the continuation of talks amid heightened border tensions, following recent deadly exchanges of fire and a tentative ceasefire facilitated by Qatar on October 19.

US President Donald Trump's pledge to rapidly resolve the conflict and recent clashes along the shared border have intensified diplomatic efforts. However, negotiations have been hampered by repeated consultations between the Afghan delegation and authorities in Kabul, which have generated limited optimism from the Pakistani side.

While Pakistan's army reported combat events resulting in militant fatalities along the border, Turkish and Qatari efforts to preserve the ceasefire reveal a precarious peace. The talks are ongoing, with regional stakeholders hoping for tangible outcomes that could stabilize the conflict-stricken zone and reopen vital trade routes.