Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Hit Stalemate in Istanbul
Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough, stretching into a second day as delegations failed to reach a consensus on critical counter-terrorism efforts. Held under the watchful eyes of Qatari and Turkish mediators, the primary sticking point revolved around the Afghan Taliban’s apparent reluctance to take verifiable action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
Addressing Terror Sanctuaries in Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks
Following nearly nine hours of intense discussions, Pakistani security officials conveyed their “final position,” insisting that the Taliban regime must implement “concrete and verifiable steps to eliminate cross-border terrorism from and inside Afghanistan.” Islamabad has unequivocally stated that the “ongoing patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban is unacceptable.” Responses from the Afghan side regarding terrorism emanating from their territory were reportedly dismissed as “illogical and opposite to ground realities” by Pakistani officials. Some sources also suggested the Taliban delegation “appeared to be following someone else’s agenda,” raising concerns about external influences, as reported by SindhNews.com.
The dialogue, a follow-up to the October 19 Doha ceasefire mediated by Qatar, saw Türkiye expanding its mediation role. Initially, optimism emerged after an exchange of documents and the start of an unplanned second session. However, this faded as Afghan representatives, reportedly receiving directions from Kabul and Kandahar, appeared to lack the mandate for crucial decisions and refused to provide written assurances.
Evidence and Demands in Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks
Throughout the two-day Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, Pakistan presented substantial evidence of terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. This included photographic and documentary proof pertaining to the TTP, BLA, and other outfits, detailing their leadership and movements. Pakistani delegates also shared images and Afghan identity documents of infiltrators captured during recent border incidents, underscoring the severity of the threat.
A key point of contention arose when the Afghan Taliban offered to bring the TTP to the table for direct talks with Pakistani authorities. Islamabad, however, firmly refused, reiterating its stance against negotiating with a proscribed terrorist group. Pakistan emphasized that it is the Taliban’s responsibility to end their patronage of the TTP. Echoing remarks from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Pakistani negotiators stated that Islamabad is prepared to pay any price to neutralize threats emanating from Afghan soil to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Path Forward After Unresolved Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks
Amidst the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul, Pakistan’s military reported multiple infiltration attempts across the Pak-Afghan border in areas such as Kurram and North Waziristan. These incidents notably cast further doubt on the interim Afghan government’s commitment to addressing terrorism. The Pakistani delegation comprised senior security and intelligence officials, while Afghanistan’s side was led by Deputy Interior Minister Mawlawi Rahmatullah Najeeb, alongside other notable Taliban figures. Diplomatic sources indicate that mediators are striving to keep communications open to prevent a complete breakdown. Any further progress in the Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, officials cautioned, would largely depend on a “positive attitude” from the Afghan Taliban government regarding counter-terrorism measures. The stalemate highlights the enduring challenge posed by cross-border militancy to regional stability.## Istanbul Impasse: Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Stall Over Terror Sanctuaries
Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul, mediated by Qatari and Turkish officials, concluded its second day on Sunday without a breakthrough. The dialogue aimed at addressing cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, but the Afghan Taliban delegation reportedly showed reluctance to commit to verifiable action against militant groups.
The discussions, which stretched for nearly nine hours into the night, saw Pakistani officials present their “final position.” Islamabad demanded concrete and verifiable steps to eliminate cross-border terrorism from and within Afghanistan, asserting that the “ongoing patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban is unacceptable.”
The Core of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks
Throughout the two-day negotiation, Pakistan provided photographic and documentary evidence of groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) operating from Afghan territory. This included details on their leadership, movements, and Afghan identity documents of infiltrators captured during recent border incidents.
In response to Pakistani assertions, Taliban replies were dismissed as “illogical and opposite to ground realities.” A senior security official indicated that the Taliban delegation “appeared to be following someone else’s agenda,” a stance seemingly underscored by a reported ceasefire violation in the Leepa Sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the talks.
The Afghan delegation, while presenting a written response to Pakistan’s initial demands, later appeared to lack the mandate for firm commitments. Officials reported that representatives were receiving directions from both Kabul and Kandahar, leading to a refusal to provide written assurances, interpreted by Pakistan as unwillingness to act against TTP and other militant groups.
Interestingly, the Afghan Taliban offered to mediate direct talks between Pakistan and the TTP. However, Islamabad categorically refused, reiterating that it would not negotiate with a proscribed terrorist group. Pakistan stressed that ending TTP patronage remained the Taliban regime’s responsibility. As Defence Minister Khawaja Asif previously.
Summary:
The recent Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul concluded in a stalemate, extending over two days without a consensus. Mediated by Qatar and Turkey, the dialogue primarily focused on Pakistan’s demand for verifiable action against terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Despite Pakistan presenting extensive evidence and rejecting direct talks with the TTP, the Afghan Taliban delegation remained reluctant to provide concrete commitments, signaling ongoing challenges for regional security.