ISLAMABAD / ISTANBUL

Pakistan on Friday expressed hope for a “positive outcome” from the next round of talks with Afghanistan, set for Nov. 6 in Istanbul, following deadly border clashes earlier this month.

Islamabad “would continue to remain engaged in the mediation process and hopes for a positive outcome” of the upcoming talks, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told reporters.

His statement came after Islamabad and Kabul agreed Thursday to maintain a ceasefire during talks held in Istanbul.

Afghan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul “desires positive ties with Pakistan and remains committed to relations based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and not posing a threat to any side.”

In a statement on US social media company X on Thursday, he confirmed that the two sides “will meet again and discuss the remaining issues.”

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, next Thursday’s meeting will discuss additional principles for implementing the truce and measures aimed at preventing further tensions.

Earlier this month, the two countries engaged in a weeklong conflict along the border after explosions in Kabul that the Afghan Defense Ministry blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan said it killed more than 200 Afghans, while Afghanistan said it killed nearly 60 Pakistani soldiers.

The first round of talks took place in Doha earlier this month before being moved to Istanbul with mediation by Türkiye and Qatar, both of which were praised by Islamabad and Kabul for facilitating dialogue.