Trump vows to resolve Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions 'very quickly' as peace talks continue

United States President Donald Trump today (26 October)  expressed confidence that he could swiftly help resolve the escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as crucial peace talks between the two neighbours entered their second day.

The countries remain locked in a bitter security dispute, each accusing the other of cross-border aggression during fierce clashes earlier this month. The deadly fighting, the most serious in recent years, has raised regional alarm amid concerns over the resurgence of armed groups, including al-Qaida.

Pakistan maintains that Afghan authorities are allowing militants to cross over and launch attacks inside its territory, a charge vehemently denied by the Taliban government in Kabul.

The latest round of negotiations began in Istanbul on Saturday, focused on turning a fragile ceasefire brokered in Doha into a long-term peace and border-security mechanism.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Malaysia, Trump said he had been briefed about the talks. "But I'll get that solved very quickly," he remarked, praising Pakistani leaders as "great people."

According to Taliban-controlled media RTA, Afghan delegates on Sunday submitted a draft proposing commitments on respecting Afghan territory and airspace, along with restrictions on anti-Afghan groups operating from Pakistan. It also suggests forming a four-party channel to monitor ceasefire violations and share intelligence.

RTA reported that Pakistan presented a counter-proposal on Saturday evening. However, Pakistani officials did not immediately comment.

Islamabad has previously lauded Trump for assisting in easing tensions with India earlier this year, raising hopes that his renewed involvement could help stabilise another volatile regional conflict.