Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to engage in a second round of crisis talks in Turkey, officials confirmed on Friday. This development follows a recent surge in violent clashes along their shared border, which resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. The two neighboring nations have been locked in a deepening security dispute, with each accusing the other of instigating aggression. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan has failed to curb armed groups crossing the border to launch attacks, a claim vehemently denied by the Taliban-led Afghan government. Last weekend, Qatar and Turkey brokered a ceasefire, which has largely held despite the ongoing closure of the border, except for Afghan refugees exiting Pakistan. The halt in border transit and trade has inflicted significant economic losses, with Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimating daily losses in the millions of dollars. Southern Kandahar Province, particularly the border town of Spin Boldak, bore the brunt of the recent violence, with Pakistani airstrikes causing fatalities and property damage. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, announced that Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib would lead the Afghan delegation to Istanbul. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, expressed cautious optimism about the talks, noting a recent decline in cross-border attacks and emphasizing the need for Kabul to take decisive action against armed groups. Andrabi stressed that Pakistan’s demands were reasonable and aimed at restoring bilateral relations. The outcome of the Istanbul talks could play a pivotal role in determining the future of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.