UN Voices Concern Over Stalled Taliban-Pakistan Talks in Istanbul
The United Nations has expressed concern over the breakdown of four-day negotiations between Taliban representatives and the Pakistani government in Istanbul. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, speaking at a press briefing in New York, said the organization regrets the deadlock and hopes it does not lead to an escalation of conflict along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, ended without results after four days, with both sides failing to reach an agreement to improve bilateral relations. In response to a question about the UN’s level of concern, Dujarric stated, “Yes, it’s definitely concerning.”
Following the collapse of the talks, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif issued a strong warning to the Taliban, saying that if they continue their current policies, they will be “driven back to the Tora Bora mountains.” His comments have received wide coverage in regional media, although the Taliban administration has yet to issue an official response.
However, a deputy from the Taliban-run Ministry of Interior responded to the failed talks by warning Pakistan to draw lessons from the fates of the Soviet, U.S., and British forces in Afghanistan. These statements highlight escalating rhetoric and deepening mistrust between the two sides.
The rise in tensions comes as the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains one of the region’s most volatile areas. For years, many Afghans have voiced concern over Pakistan’s strict policies toward refugees and its interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. With formal talks now at a dead end, worries over the future of bilateral relations and regional stability have intensified.
The United Nations has urged both parties to avoid provocative actions and commit to resolving their disputes peacefully through dialogue. A lack of constructive engagement from the Taliban in response to Pakistan’s public threats could further escalate political tensions and potentially lead to new clashes in the border regions.
