Türkiye Offers Diplomatic Support to Sustain Pakistan–Afghanistan Ceasefire
Türkiye Reaffirms Support for Pakistan–Afghanistan Truce
Türkiye has publicly offered to help sustain the ongoing ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, signaling Ankara’s willingness to play a constructive role in easing regional tensions and promoting diplomatic engagement.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on December 12, 2025. The forum commemorates Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality and the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.” Erdoğan expressed appreciation for the extension of the truce and stated that Ankara stands ready to contribute to the mechanisms established to uphold the absence of hostilities between Islamabad and Kabul. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as energy, trade, and investment.
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed Türkiye’s pledge, emphasizing that regional peace and stability depend on continued diplomatic efforts and international cooperation. Sharif has repeatedly highlighted Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, calling on the international community to urge Afghan authorities to take effective action.
The ceasefire, agreed in October 2025 following intense border clashes, marked the most serious confrontation along the Durand Line in years, resulting in dozens of casualties and disruptions to cross-border trade and travel. Türkiye and Qatar played central roles in mediating the initial agreement, which was widely welcomed by regional states including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia as a step toward reducing violence and fostering stability. The initial months of the truce have prevented further clashes and eased humanitarian strain in border communities, highlighting the potential benefits of continued diplomatic engagement.
Despite the ceasefire holding, peace talks in Istanbul collapsed in early November 2025 due to disagreements over security assurances and measures to curb militant activity. Both sides publicly pledged to uphold the ceasefire, even as formal negotiations stalled.
Beyond public statements of support, Türkiye has been actively involved in diplomatic and security channels aimed at maintaining the truce. Turkish intelligence and diplomatic representatives participated in earlier negotiations in Doha and Istanbul, working with Qatari counterparts to establish mechanisms for dialogue and confidence building. Ankara’s involvement reflects a broader regional diplomatic strategy focused on de‑escalation and cooperation. Turkish officials have stressed that sustainable peace requires a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring mechanisms, border security cooperation, and sustained political engagement.
Analysts note that Türkiye’s proactive engagement serves multiple purposes: it helps prevent renewed conflict along the sensitive Pakistan–Afghanistan border, safeguards trade routes disrupted during previous clashes, supports counterterrorism efforts, and reinforces Ankara’s image as a bridge‑builder in South Asia. The truce has already allowed for resumed commercial movement in border towns and improved coordination between security forces on both sides, demonstrating tangible benefits of international mediation.