Web Desk: Pakistan’s Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik and Afghanistan’s Director General of Intelligence (GDI) Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq have departed for Türkiye to resume high-level talks aimed at reaching a final understanding on key security and border management issues. Diplomatic sources said the two neighboring countries will begin the third round of bilateral negotiations Thursday in Ankara. Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik also serves as the National Security Advisor to the Government of Pakistan.
Delegations Seek Breakthrough in Stalled Dialogue
Officials familiar with the development said both delegations would continue discussions left unresolved during earlier meetings held in Doha and Istanbul, which focused on counterterrorism coordination, refugee repatriation, and curbing cross-border militant activity. Despite some progress, previous talks concluded without a formal agreement due to differences over intelligence sharing and the handling of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory.
Türkiye’s Role as Mediator
Türkiye has played a quiet but pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue, providing a neutral venue for both sides to rebuild trust and strengthen intelligence cooperation. Diplomatic observers say Ankara’s mediation underscores its broader regional objective of stabilizing Afghanistan while preventing renewed tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
Efforts to Finalize Agreement
Sources said Pakistan’s delegation, led by Lt. Gen. Malik, will push for concrete mechanisms to monitor militant infiltration and strengthen joint border security. Meanwhile, the Afghan side, headed by Wasiq, aims to deepen cooperation on humanitarian and trade issues, arguing that economic engagement is essential for political stability.
Background of the Dialogue Process
The ongoing consultations mark the third structured interaction between the intelligence leadership of both countries since mid-2024. The first round in Doha focused on rebuilding communication channels following heightened border tensions, while the second meeting in Türkiye earlier this year discussed mechanisms for counterterrorism collaboration and intelligence exchange. Both sides had agreed in principle to continue the process to achieve a mutually beneficial framework for regional stability.
Path Ahead
Analysts note that the upcoming Ankara talks may serve as a decisive moment for redefining Pakistan-Afghanistan relations after months of strained ties. While optimism remains cautious, both delegations have expressed willingness to sustain dialogue and avoid public escalation as they work toward a comprehensive agreement.
