Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to begin the third round of crucial peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, aimed at ending cross-border terrorism and reinforcing a fragile ceasefire between the two neighbouring nations.

Axar.az informs, citing Pakistani media, the two-day dialogue is being jointly mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, following weeks of shuttle diplomacy after deadly border clashes last month strained bilateral relations to their lowest point since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Diplomatic sources said the delegations will review commitments made in previous rounds, particularly regarding the proposed monitoring and verification mechanism designed to uphold the ceasefire. The last joint statement issued by Turkiye confirmed that both parties had agreed to continue the ceasefire and enforce penalties against any violator.