NN ONLINE:
Pakistan on Wednesday said its latest round of peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government has collapsed in Istanbul, accusing Kabul of refusing to crack down on militants responsible for a spike in cross-border attacks.
The four-day negotiations were arranged after deadly clashes along the border this month left dozens of civilians, soldiers and insurgents dead. A previous round hosted by Qatar in Doha produced a ceasefire on Oct. 19, which both sides say remains in effect.
In a post on social media platform X, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the talks “failed to bring about any workable solution” despite efforts by Qatar and Turkey to mediate. He said the Taliban regime showed indifference to Pakistan’s security concerns, alleging its territory continues to shelter militants targeting Pakistan. There was no immediate response from Kabul to the Pakistani minister’s remarks.
Earlier, state media in both countries had acknowledged an impasse, with each side blaming the other for the failure to reach a breakthrough. Three Pakistani security officials, speaking anonymously due to media restrictions, said there was deadlock over Kabul’s reluctance to provide firm assurances that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan. Officials said the Taliban delegation repeatedly sought instructions from Kabul, slowing progress.
Afghan state media RTA meanwhile accused Islamabad of lacking the intention to hold constructive talks. Tarar warned that Pakistan’s “patience has run its course” and vowed that Islamabad would take all necessary measures to protect its citizens from terrorism. He thanked Qatar and Turkey for their diplomatic role in easing months of escalating tensions.
Pakistan has witnessed a renewed surge in attacks it blames on the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, a group allied with the Afghan Taliban. Islamabad has long insisted TTP leaders are being sheltered in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Military strikes by Pakistan earlier this month on what it described as TTP hideouts triggered the recent border clashes, prompting Qatar’s mediation.
Border crossings remain shut for more than two weeks, leaving hundreds of goods-laden trucks stranded on both sides and disrupting crucial trade flows.
