On October 26, 2025, President Trump of the United States stated on Sunday that he would address the crisis between Afghanistan and Pakistan “very soon.” His remarks came as peace talks between the two countries entered their second day.
During the peace agreement signing ceremony between Thailand and Cambodia, Trump mentioned, “I have heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have already started negotiations,” adding, “I will resolve this matter very quickly.”
Prior to this, Pakistan and Afghanistan saw some of the most intense clashes in recent years over national security issues. Both sides claimed that they were responding to each other’s aggressive actions in conflict earlier this month. Pakistan accused Afghan authorities of turning a blind eye to armed militants launching attacks from across the border, while the Taliban-controlled Afghan government denied these allegations. This conflict not only marks a low point in bilateral relations but also poses serious risks to the region as militant groups like al-Qaeda are attempting a resurgence.
The second round of peace talks between the two countries began last Saturday in Istanbul, Turkey, focusing on reaching a sustainable peace and border security framework. Earlier this month, the two countries reached a temporary ceasefire agreement in Doha, Qatar.
However, as the delegations from both sides were engaged in negotiations in Istanbul, the Pakistan military announced on Sunday that the country had “repulsed two major infiltration attempts” in the border region, resulting in the killing of 25 Afghan militants and the loss of 5 Pakistani soldiers in the crossfire.
Due to the remote and media-restricted nature of the region, these casualty figures could not be independently verified.
The earlier clashes this month have already led to the deaths of dozens in Afghanistan and hundreds injured. Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of targeting civilians, but Pakistan denies this, claiming their targets are militant groups and their hideouts.
According to the Taliban-controlled media RTA, Afghanistan has submitted a draft proposal demanding that Pakistan refrain from violating Afghan territory and airspace and not allow “any anti-Afghan groups or opposition to use Pakistani territory to attack our country.”
RTA further reported that the draft expressed willingness to establish a “four-way channel to monitor the ceasefire agreement” and exchange information on violations of the agreement.
According to RTA, Pakistan submitted a second draft proposal to the Afghan delegation last Saturday evening.
The Pakistan government has declined to comment on this matter temporarily.
Both countries are reportedly seeking to build closer ties with the United States. Pakistan has also praised Trump for his role in defusing crises between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
(Reference: Associated Press)