Representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Istanbul this week for the second round of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Track 1.5 Dialogue Process, as both sides seek to improve communication amid ongoing tensions between the neighboring countries.

The talks, held on June 8-9, were organized by the Turkish humanitarian organization IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and brought together participants in what organizers described as a constructive and cordial atmosphere.

According to IHH, the dialogue aims to promote mutual understanding, build trust and encourage cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the broader goal of supporting regional stability and prosperity.

The organization said the process provides an informal platform for discussion and engagement between the two countries and could help strengthen communication on issues of shared concern.

Türkiye and Qatar also played facilitating roles in the dialogue.

IHH expressed hope that continued meetings would contribute to reducing tensions, expanding cooperation and fostering greater understanding between the two sides.

The discussions come at a time when relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain strained over a range of political and security issues.

The meeting also follows recent Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan that, according to Afghan officials, killed 13 civilians, including children, and injured 14 others.

Despite ongoing challenges in bilateral relations, organizers said continued dialogue remains important for addressing differences and promoting constructive engagement between the two neighboring countries.

The United Nations has said that air strikes attributed to Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces earlier this week killed at least 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man, and injured 14 others.

Speaking at the UN’s daily press briefing, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said the Afghan authorities in Afghanistan had reported multiple air strikes in the three provinces that allegedly struck civilian homes.

Haq called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.

The UN official expressed concern over the reported civilian casualties and urged all sides to avoid actions that could further endanger civilian lives.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a statement, announced that it has summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and conveyed its “strong and firm” protest over the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of civilian homes.

According to the statement, Pakistan’s military regime once again blatantly violated Afghanistan’s airspace on Tuesday night and bombed civilian homes in parts of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.

Afghanistan have added fast bowler Mohammad Saleem to their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, which gets underway on June 13 in Dharamsala.

Saleem was originally selected only for the one-off Test against India but impressed with his performances, earning a place in the ODI squad. The young pacer claimed six wickets in the match and consistently bowled at speeds approaching 140kph despite conditions that offered little assistance to fast bowlers.

Meanwhile, spinner Rashid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were absent from Afghanistan’s latest training session in Mohali. According to ESPNcricinfo, Rashid is expected to join the squad in Dharamsala, while Nabi is recovering from illness.

Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus praised Saleem’s efforts in the Test, describing the fast bowler as “fantastic” following his six-wicket haul against a strong Indian batting lineup.

“He took six wickets in extreme heat against high-quality batsmen, which is a huge positive not only for him but for the team as a whole,” Pybus said.

Pybus added that he is still assessing the squad’s strengths and combinations after recently taking charge of the team. He noted that Saleem had previously dealt with minor fitness concerns and said the focus would be on helping the young pacer maintain consistency and continue his development.

The ODI series between Afghanistan and India begins on Saturday.

The matches will be broadcast live on Ariana Television Network (ATN).