Pakistan-Taliban Talks in Istanbul End Without Agreement
The third round of talks between delegations from Pakistan and the Taliban administration, held in Istanbul with mediation by Turkey and Qatar, concluded without reaching any agreement.
According to Pakistani media outlets, including Geo News, Islamabad urged the Taliban to take serious action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil. However, the Taliban delegation refused to accept this demand and did not provide any clear framework for cooperation on the issue.
The talks were initiated to ease tensions between the two countries, particularly following deadly border clashes last month. Pakistan has expressed specific concerns about the presence and activities of insurgent groups across the Durand Line.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, citing the stalemate in the negotiations, stated that combating terrorism is a direct responsibility of the Taliban administration—one they have so far failed to fulfill effectively. He emphasized that Pakistan harbors no hostility toward the Afghan people, but warned that actions by the Taliban leadership that threaten the interests of Afghans and neighboring countries cannot be supported.
The minister also noted that Pakistan will consider all available options to safeguard its national sovereignty and regional security.
The Taliban administration’s intransigence in the face of Pakistan’s clear demands to act against insurgents has not only strained bilateral relations further but also intensified regional concerns over growing insecurity.
