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PAKISTAN, AFGHAN TALIBAN TO RESUME PEACE TALKS IN ISTANBUL TODAY Thursday, 6 November, 2025 | 14 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
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EFENCE MINISTER Khawaja Asif on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan’s delegation had departed for Istanbul to participate in fresh talks with the Afghan Taliban aimed at easing ongoing tensions between the two neighbours. The upcoming round follows a previous phase of discussions held on October 25 in Istanbul, which ended in a stalemate due to Islamabad’s persistent concern over terror attacks originating from Afghan soil. The dialogue was revived after Turkiye and Qatar intervened to mediate, salvaging the process for the second time in less than a week. This came after Pakistan announced on October 29 that the talks had “failed” and that its negotiators were preparing to return home. The earlier meetings led to a threepoint understanding: maintaining the ceasefire, establishing a monitoring and verification mechanism to uphold peace, and imposing penalties for violations. The operational framework for this mechanism is expected to be finalised
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 120 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
DEFENCE MINISTER CONFIRMS DELEGATION’S DEPARTURE, SAYS TALKS TO FOCUS ON CEASEFIRE AND COUNTERTERRORISM COMMITMENTS
when senior representatives—referred to as the “principals”—meet again in Istanbul on November 6. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Asif said, “The delegation has departed today and the negotiations will begin tomorrow morning. Let’s hope Afghanistan acts with wisdom so that peace can return to the region.” He emphasized that Pakistan’s sole agenda was to ensure that Afghanistan prevents attacks on Pakistani territory from its soil. When
asked about the prospects of progress, Asif said talks were pursued only when there was a “possibility of a positive outcome,” otherwise, they would be futile. Commenting separately on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, the defence minister said discussions were ongoing and that the draft would take its “final shape” by next week before being presented in Parliament. Asif added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had every right to share his views on the amendment and noted that the government was consulting other political parties to gather their input. He, however, declined to comment on speculation about potential changes in the amendment. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent weeks, marked by border clashes and mutual accusations. Hostilities began on October 11, when militants launched an attack on Pakistan from across the border—shortly after the Taliban accused Islamabad of carrying out airstrikes inside
Afghanistan, an allegation Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded that the Taliban prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory to target Pakistan, a claim the Taliban leadership continues to reject. Pakistan, meanwhile, continues to face casualties in intelligence-based operations against terrorism. Following the October 11 incident, several additional skirmishes occurred along the border. Pakistan also conducted strikes targeting camps belonging to the Gul Bahadur group inside Afghanistan. Subsequent diplomatic efforts, facilitated by Turkiye and Qatar, brought both sides to the table in Doha, where they agreed to a temporary ceasefire and to resume talks in Istanbul to work toward a sustainable peace mechanism. Both Turkiye and Qatar enjoy longstanding ties with Pakistan, while Doha played a significant role in earlier negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and NATO forces.
he termed “existential threats.” He emphasized the urgent need for sustained policy action to address these issues and ensure long-term economic stability. Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s focus on transitioning to an investment-driven economy, led by the private sector rather than relying on borrowing. He also discussed his recent visits to
Washington, where he met with officials from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and praised the diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other partners for enhancing bilateral and economic cooperation. He further announced that Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for its second loan review, with
the next tranche expected to be approved in early December. Aurangzeb noted the evolving global economic landscape and the critical role of the private sector in driving productivity-led growth. He assured that investor confidence is rising and affirmed that “our direction is right.”
Pakistan reached staff-level agreement with IMF for second loan review: Finance Minister PROFIT
Monitoring deSk
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday addressed The Future Summit 2025 in Karachi, warning that Pakistan’s economic stability faces two major challenges: unchecked population growth and climate change, which
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President Zardari, Emir of Qatar discuss ways to further cement cooperation DOHA
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres. During a meeting here, the president offered to expand collaboration in defence and defence production, to which the Amir of Qatar responded positively, saying he would instruct the relevant authorities to initiate discussions with Pakistan immediately. The president also proposed enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food security. IslamabadThe Amir of Qatar said Qatar was proud of Pakistan and its achievements and deeply valued the contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s development. He expressed the desire to see their number increase significantly in the coming years. The president conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the government and people of Pakistan, expressing deep admiration for Qatar’s remarkable progress and visionary leadership under the Amir of Qatar. The two leaders reaffirmed the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in faith, mutual trust, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and the advancement of the Muslim Ummah. The president lauded Qatar’s growing global role as a center of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy and paid tribute to his leadership in advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity, he recalled the country’s strong condemnation of Israel’s aggression against Qatar and its continued diplomatic support for Qatar’s sovereignty at international forums. The amir expressed satisfaction at the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement and said it was a welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier. He noted that Pakistan holds a unique position as a country maintaining strategic ties with China, the West and the Gulf states at the same time. The president welcomed enhanced Qatari investment in Pakistan and expressed confidence that bilateral collaboration would continue to grow under his leadership. He also commended the contributions of the Qatar Fund for Development, the Education Above All Foundation, and other Qatari humanitarian initiatives, paying special tribute to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for advancing education and cultural exchange.