Turkey Contributes to Security Mediation Between Pakistan and Afghanistan to Confront Terrorism and Migration

The Qatari capital, Doha, witnessed a historic dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the presence of Turkish intelligence, as part of efforts aimed at addressing shared security issues between the two countries. The dialogue took place through meetings that included the heads of intelligence agencies and defense ministers, under the direct supervision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and with the participation of the Director of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization, İbrahim Kalın.

Strategic Dimensions of the Dialogue

The dialogue represents an attempt to build a comprehensive security framework addressing three main areas:

1 .Counterterrorism:

Focus was placed on limiting the activity of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in border regions, particularly following the recent attacks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and Pakistani security personnel.

2 .Migration Management:

Discussion centered on finding long-term solutions to the challenges of refugee flows and the humanitarian issues associated with population movements between the two countries.

3 .Border Security:

The talks also focused on strengthening surveillance along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border and ensuring sustainable security in sensitive areas, to achieve long-term regional stability.

Field Context

The Pakistani airstrikes on October 9 targeting areas near Kabul and the Marga region in Paktia Province, along with ground attacks carried out by the TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, demonstrate that both sides remain in a state of mutual tension, with ongoing accusations regarding the presence of militant elements operating from within Afghan territory.

Diplomatic Dimensions

The meetings held in Doha, which continued until October 18 and 19, reflect both sides’ desire to reach strategic understandings, with active Turkish supervision seeking to strengthen Ankara’s role as a mediator capable of reconciling the security interests of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The trilateral meeting in Istanbul on October 11, which brought together the intelligence chiefs of Turkey, Pakistan, and Qatar, indicates that Turkey is working to establish technical and operational follow-up mechanisms through a specialized committee that will discuss the details of the emerging security arrangements.

Future Indicators

The continuation of technical meetings in Istanbul reflects the seriousness of the parties in addressing the issues of terrorism, migration, and border security in an institutional framework.

The temporary 48-hour truce announced between both sides on October 15 shows a readiness to implement practical steps to stabilize the border during the negotiation process.

Turkey’s active involvement demonstrates its intent to play a larger regional role, potentially affecting the balance of power between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the broader regional security dynamics.

Conclusion

The dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held with the participation of Turkish intelligence, represents an effort to build a balanced security framework along the shared border, by addressing terrorism, migration, and border stability.

However, the complex on-ground situation and the recent series of attacks highlight that the road toward sustainable stability remains challenging, requiring close monitoring and effective executive mechanisms to ensure long-term success.