UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump has declared he will resolve the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis “very quickly,” as critical peace talks enter their second day. The negotiations, taking place in Istanbul, follow deadly clashes earlier this month that marked the most intense fighting between the two countries in years.
Tensions have soared in the region, with Pakistan and Afghanistan accusing each other of aggression. According to reports, the recent violence resulted in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The situation has raised alarms about the resurgence of armed groups like al-Qaida, who may exploit the instability.
During the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump emphasized, “I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up,” indicating his commitment to facilitating peace. He praised the leadership in Pakistan, calling them “great people,” while attending the signing of the Thailand–Cambodia peace agreement.
The negotiations, which began on Saturday, aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire that was achieved earlier this month in Doha. Reports from RTA indicate that after 15 hours of continuous discussions, the Afghan delegation has proposed a draft emphasizing the need for Pakistan to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and to prevent anti-Afghan groups from using its territory for attacks.
In response, the Pakistani government submitted a second draft, although no officials were immediately available for comment. The talks are expected to include the establishment of a “four-way channel” to monitor the ceasefire agreement and share information on violations.
Trump’s remarks are seen as a potential boost for Pakistan’s political and military leadership, which is eager to strengthen ties with the United States. Pakistan recently commended Trump for his role in easing tensions with India earlier this year.
As the situation develops, both nations face pressing challenges in restoring stability and fostering peace. Observers are urged to watch for further updates on the progress of these critical talks, which could significantly impact regional security dynamics.
