ISTANBUL:
The third day of the Pakistan-Afghan Taliban talks in Istanbul ended late Monday without any progress, as the Kabul regime once again refused to fully accept Islamabad’s counterterrorism demands, according to diplomatic and security sources.
Officials privy to the negotiations said Pakistan maintained a firm position, demanding that the Taliban regime stop providing sanctuary and support to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the khawarij, who have been involved in cross-border attacks and terrorism inside Pakistan.
“Pakistan’s stance is logical, firm, and essential for lasting peace,” one senior security source said, adding that mediators from Turkiye and Qatar found Pakistan’s demands “reasonable and legitimate.”
However, progress stalled as the Afghan delegation reportedly kept seeking directions from Kandahar and Kabul, with officials saying that Taliban leaders there were “pulling the strings” of the negotiators, causing delays and a deadlock.
No Encouraging Response from Kabul
Diplomatic sources said that Islamabad had conveyed its final position clearly, stressing that any tolerance or shelter for militants targeting Pakistan would not be acceptable.
Host countries — Turkiye and Qatar — also urged the Taliban delegation to cooperate, but sources said “no encouraging response has yet come from Kabul.”
It is believed that certain elements in the Afghan administration are pursuing an alternative agenda, making reconciliation difficult.
Talks Follow Deadly Border Clashes
The latest talks come in the wake of intense border clashes earlier this month, during which Pakistan’s armed forces repelled multiple Taliban assaults, killing over 200 militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.
Following the attacks, Pakistan launched precision airstrikes in Kandahar and Kabul, destroying several militant hideouts, and temporarily closed border crossings, prioritising the safety of its citizens over trade movement.
Taliban’s Inflexibility Draws Concern
Security officials said the Taliban delegation’s arguments were “illogical and detached from ground realities,” increasing concerns about their lack of seriousness toward genuine regional peace.
“Future progress depends entirely on the Taliban’s readiness to engage in good faith,” the sources said, adding that Turkiye has been mediating to help the Afghan side understand the evidence and gravity of Pakistan’s concerns.
Despite two previous rounds of talks — including the Doha ceasefire agreement signed on October 19, 2025 — both sides remain at odds, with Islamabad insisting on decisive action against terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
