Pakistan-Afghan Taliban talks continue in Istanbul: FO

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that negotiations with the Afghan Taliban are currently underway in Istanbul, urging the public and media not to pay attention to unverified statements circulating on social media.

Addressing the media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi said Pakistan’s stance remains firm that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against any country. He added that Islamabad has provided mediators with evidence-based demands, which are being discussed point by point with the Taliban representatives.

“The mediators have fully endorsed Pakistan’s position, and the dialogue process continues constructively,” Andarabi stated, dismissing speculative online claims regarding the talks.

Reiterating Pakistan’s broader foreign policy priorities, the spokesperson said Islamabad will not accept any violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing that water security is vital for the country’s survival. He also condemned Israel’s ongoing violations of the Gaza ceasefire, stressing that Pakistan supports the Gaza Peace Initiative aimed at achieving lasting regional stability.

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Andarabi further said the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer from Indian state-sponsored terrorism. He noted that President Asif Ali Zardari delivered a key address at the Doha Conference, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue and holding meetings with several world leaders.

He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on an official visit to Azerbaijan to attend the fifth anniversary celebrations of the country’s Victory Day in Baku. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Istanbul on November 3, where he discussed multiple bilateral and regional matters amid the ongoing Pakistan–Afghan Taliban dialogue.