ISTANBUL: The third round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded in Istanbul after 18-hour-long discussions, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Throughout the 18-hour session, the Afghan Taliban delegation agreed multiple times with Pakistan’s “legitimate and logical demand” for verifiable and decisive action against the Tehreek-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil, sources said.
Even in the presence of the host mediators, the Afghan side acknowledged the central issue concerning cross-border terrorism, according to the sources.
However, they added that the Afghan delegation repeatedly shifted its stance following instructions from Kabul, resulting in the talks remaining inconclusive.
The sources said that “irrational and unjustified advice” from Kabul during the dialogue process was primarily responsible for the lack of progress.
Despite the stalemate, Pakistan and the host nation reportedly remain determined to pursue a “diplomatic and prudent” approach to resolving the complex issues.
According to the sources, one final effort is still underway to persuade the Afghan Taliban to adopt a logical path through dialogue. “Talks appear to be heading toward a final round despite the Taliban’s continued rigidity,” they added.
