Afghanistan and Pakistan have entered the third day of critical negotiations in Istanbul, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further escalation of hostilities. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, seek to establish mechanisms to sustain peace after weeks of intense border clashes. The conflict erupted following a series of explosions in Kabul, which Afghan Taliban authorities attributed to Pakistan, prompting a military offensive. Islamabad retaliated with strikes on Afghan soil, leading to significant casualties on both sides, including civilians. A brief 48-hour ceasefire collapsed, but a second truce was brokered in Doha, though its terms remain ambiguous. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized the necessity of ‘dialogue and understanding’ to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials accused Taliban negotiators of ‘stubbornness and a lack of seriousness,’ with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warning of ‘open war’ if an agreement is not reached. Pakistan has demanded ‘verifiable action’ against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims operates from Afghan territory. Kabul denies these allegations and insists on protecting its sovereignty. On the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in swiftly resolving the Afghanistan–Pakistan crisis.