The recent round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks held in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough, as credible Pakistani sources confirmed that negotiations stalled over the key issue of cross-border terrorism.
According to insiders, discussions were intense and prolonged, stretching across three days and nearly 50 hours in total, but ultimately faltered due to the Afghan delegation’s refusal to commit to verifiable actions against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Mediated by Qatar and Turkey, the talks aimed to address Pakistan’s repeated demand for concrete, time-bound steps against the TTP and BLA networks. However, the Afghan representatives reportedly adopted a defensive and obstructive stance, often avoiding direct responses and questioning evidence presented by Pakistan instead of addressing it substantively.
Sources disclosed that Pakistan presented detailed, time-stamped intelligence on militant sanctuaries and infiltration routes, urging Kabul to dismantle these networks. Despite several rounds of agreement drafts, the Afghan delegation withdrew each time after consulting with officials in Kabul, a move that surprised even the mediators.
During the third night of talks, both sides reportedly finalised a draft after long deliberations. Yet, moments before signing, the Afghan representatives once again reversed their position following a phone call with Kabul. Observers from Qatar and Turkey expressed dismay at the abrupt turnaround.
Pakistan reiterated that its position remains firm; if cross-border attacks persist, Islamabad reserves the right to take defensive measures to protect its citizens and sovereignty. The Pakistani side emphasised that its approach is rooted in regional peace and mutual respect, but practical cooperation is essential.
The failure of the Istanbul round highlights growing frustration among mediators and underscores the critical need for Afghanistan to honour its commitments. Despite the setback, Pakistan has agreed to another round of talks at the hosts’ request, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful diplomacy and regional stability.
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