UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump has just announced he will resolve the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis “very quickly,” as crucial peace talks entered their second day in Istanbul. This urgent development comes amid intense fighting between the two nations, marking a significant low point in their relations.
The ongoing conflict has raised alarms in a region already plagued by the resurgence of armed groups like al-Qaida. This past month, deadly clashes claimed dozens of lives and injured hundreds, as both countries exchanged accusations of aggression. Pakistan has criticized Afghanistan for allegedly harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim fiercely denied by the Taliban-led Afghan government.
During a sideline event at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump stated, “I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up. But I’ll get that solved very quickly.” His comments come as leaders from both nations engage in crucial discussions aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire established earlier this month in Doha.
The second round of negotiations, which began on September 9, 2023, is focused on transforming this ceasefire into a sustainable peace framework and addressing border security concerns. Taliban-controlled media, RTA, reported that after lengthy discussions, the Afghan delegation proposed a draft agreement emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to respecting Afghan territory and preventing the use of its land for anti-Afghan activities.
In response, Pakistani negotiators presented a draft of their own on the evening of September 9. Both sides are reportedly exploring the establishment of a “four-way channel” to monitor ceasefire compliance and facilitate information exchange on any violations.
Trump’s remarks are expected to invigorate Pakistani political and military leaders, who are keen on establishing stronger ties with the U.S. administration. Previously, Pakistan praised Trump for his role in de-escalating tensions with India earlier this year.
As the situation develops, both nations face immense pressure to reach a resolution that could stabilize not only their bilateral relations but also contribute to regional security. Observers are closely monitoring the outcomes of these talks, as the implications extend far beyond the immediate conflict.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue as negotiations unfold.
