The negotiations come after a series of deadly clashes that left at least five Pakistani soldiers and 25 Afghan fighters dead, according to official sources. Both nations have blamed each other for the recent hostilities, which have disrupted cross-border trade and displaced hundreds of civilians.

The dialogue is being held against a backdrop of fragile ceasefire conditions, reached on October 19 following Qatari-brokered discussions between Islamabad and Kabul. The current round in Turkiye aims to strengthen that agreement and establish a long-term mechanism for border management and counterterrorism cooperation.

In a statement earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated Washington’s support for the peace process, emphasizing the need for “a swift and lasting resolution” to tensions between the two neighboring states.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that discussions are ongoing, with negotiators expected to finalize a joint communiqué in the coming days. Pakistani officials also verified that talks remain in progress but cautioned that “complex security issues” continue to pose challenges.

The border region between Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and eastern Afghanistan has been a flashpoint for years, with militant activity, cross-border shelling, and disputes over territorial demarcation straining relations between the two nations.

As the Istanbul talks continue, international observers remain cautiously optimistic that sustained diplomatic engagement could prevent another escalation and pave the way for greater regional stability.

According to a statement from Russia’s chief negotiator, Ukraine has failed to respond after more than 1,200 Ukrainian bodies were transported to a designated border site for repatriation. In total, Moscow says over 12,000 bodies both Russian and Ukrainian are meant to be returned as part of the agreement.

“We are ready to proceed by road and rail, in batches, to fulfill this humanitarian obligation,” said a Russian delegation spokesperson. “The delay is deeply concerning and affects thousands of grieving families.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly denied the accusations, calling them “political manipulation” and reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to returning both its fallen soldiers and prisoners of war (POWs). “We are doing everything to bring our people home. These delays are not on us,” Zelenskyy said during a press briefing in Kyiv.

The exchange deal had been touted as a breakthrough during the recent peace negotiations in Istanbul, signaling tentative steps toward de-escalation. However, both sides continue to trade accusations, suggesting deep mistrust remains.

No timeline has been set for when the exchanges might resume.