ISTANBUL: The third day of peace negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded in Istanbul without any breakthrough, as Islamabad continued to press its counterterrorism demands and the Taliban delegation followed directives from Kabul.
The discussions were indicated by sharp differences over Pakistan’s insistence that the Taliban regime take decisive action against militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad blames for a series of deadly attacks within its borders.
Furthermore, the mediators from Qatar and Turkiye, who are facilitating the talks, were said to have acknowledged Pakistan’s demands as “reasonable and legitimate.”
“The delegation appears to be under Kabul’s control, leading to delays in progress,” a senior security official said, noting that the Afghan side was consulting its leadership repeatedly throughout the sessions.
Furthermore, the talks come after weeks of escalating border tensions between the two countries.
In this sense, earlier this month, the clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters resulted in the deaths of more than 200 militants, and 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.
In this regard, Pakistan reasserted its demand that the Taliban end its patronage of the TTP, often referred to by officials as khawarij, a term denoting extremists and outlaws.
Islamabad has also voiced growing concern that elements within the Taliban regime are acting as proxies for external powers hostile to Pakistan.
Moreover, officials said Kabul’s rigidity remains the main obstacle. “Pakistan’s stance is firm, logical, and aimed at ensuring lasting regional peace,” one source said.
“But unless the Taliban show flexibility, this deadlock may persist.”
The Doha-brokered ceasefire remains in place for now, but hopes for a broader agreement appear increasingly uncertain.
