Taliban-Pakistan Border Talks Suspended Following Cross-Border Clashes
Talks between the Taliban and Pakistan have been suspended following renewed border clashes in the Chaman–Spin Boldak region. The negotiations, which were taking place in Istanbul with mediation by Turkey and Qatar, have been put on hold.
According to Pakistani outlet Sama News, citing diplomatic sources in Islamabad, the Pakistani delegation halted the discussions after presenting evidence of what they described as a Taliban ceasefire violation to Turkish and Qatari officials.
A Pakistani official stated that the latest border tensions erupted when shots were fired from Afghan territory at Pakistani positions “without any provocation.” Pakistani forces responded “swiftly and effectively,” the official added. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information claimed that Taliban-linked individuals opened fire on Pakistani border posts without prior provocation.
The ministry said that the swift actions by the Pakistani security forces quickly brought the situation under control. The Taliban, however, rejected these accusations, stating that their forces did not respond despite being attacked by Pakistani forces, in order to show respect for the ongoing talks in Istanbul.
Diplomatic sources said both delegations are currently consulting with their respective authorities and that negotiations could resume if tensions subside.
A ceasefire had been in place since the talks began in Istanbul, but repeated border skirmishes in recent months have violated the truce, raising concerns about the Taliban’s commitment to the dialogue and broader regional cooperation.
