Trump Vows to Resolve Afghanistan-Pakistan Crisis ‘Very Quickly’

URGENT UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump has declared he will resolve the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis “very quickly” as critical peace talks extend into their second day. This announcement comes amid increasing tensions between the two nations, which have seen some of the deadliest clashes in years.

As the talks commenced in Istanbul on July 15, 2023, both countries are grappling with a bitter security dispute, each accusing the other of aggression following violent encounters earlier this month. The renewed fighting has raised alarms in a region already destabilized by the resurgence of armed groups like al-Qaida.

In remarks made on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, stating, “I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up… But I’ll get that solved very quickly.” His comments signal a potential shift in U.S. engagement in South Asian diplomacy.

Today, the Taliban-controlled media reported that after 15 hours of intense discussions, Afghanistan has proposed a draft aimed at ensuring Pakistan refrains from any violations of Afghan territory and airspace. The draft also emphasizes that no anti-Afghan groups should operate from Pakistani soil against Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s military has denied allegations of civilian attacks, asserting that its operations are directed solely at militant hideouts. The recent clashes have resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, intensifying the urgency for a resolution.

Trump’s comments are poised to invigorate the political and military leadership in Pakistan, who have welcomed closer ties with the U.S. Islamabad previously praised the President for mediating a crisis with India earlier this year, indicating a potential shift towards a more cooperative regional approach.

The ongoing peace talks, which began following a fragile ceasefire brokered in Doha, are crucial. Both sides are reportedly considering establishing a “four-way channel” to monitor ceasefire adherence and exchange information on potential violations, underscoring the delicate nature of the situation.

Watch for further updates as the negotiations progress, with both nations in dire need of a sustained peace strategy amid ongoing violence and geopolitical tension.