Copyright ariananews
Ongoing peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Turkey have entered a decisive phase, with both sides exchanging final drafts of a proposed agreement aimed at ending cross-border tensions and restoring stability, diplomatic sources told Ariana News. After nearly 15 hours of discussions that stretched into the early hours of Sunday, the Afghan delegation submitted its final draft proposal to the Pakistani side around 2 a.m. The document, sources said, stresses Pakistan’s commitment to respecting Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and airspace, while prohibiting the use of Afghan soil for hostile activities against any country or group. In addition, the Afghan negotiators proposed the creation of a four-party monitoring mechanism that would include representatives from both nations as well as mediating countries, to oversee ceasefire implementation and facilitate information sharing on potential violations. Pakistan’s delegation reportedly submitted its revised version of the draft by 6 a.m., signaling continued engagement and responsiveness to Afghanistan’s proposals. Both delegations are scheduled to meet again at midday Sunday, with mediators present, in what observers believe could be a make-or-break session to finalize the ceasefire terms. The talks, facilitated by Turkish mediators, come amid recent cross-border tensions and deadly clashes that have strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad in recent months. The two neighbors have accused each other of harboring armed groups operating along the Durand Line, a longstanding source of friction. Since September, Pakistan has also intensified deportations of undocumented Afghan refugees, further worsening relations. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has repeatedly called for dialogue, emphasizing that peace and economic cooperation are the only viable paths forward. Analysts view the current negotiations in Turkey as the most serious attempt yet to defuse the crisis since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his administration’s willingness earlier this month to help mediate between the two countries. If successful, the talks could mark a breakthrough in regional diplomacy, paving the way for trade normalization, border cooperation, and joint counterterrorism mechanisms — areas both sides have long identified as priorities for restoring trust.
