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Deadlock in Pakistan–Afghanistan Talks in Istanbul; Pakistan Reaffirms Responsibility Lies with Kabul

By Mashal Khan

Islamabad — Pakistan on Friday confirmed that talks with the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended in a deadlock, with Islamabad reiterating that the responsibility for curbing terrorism from Afghan soil lies squarely with Afghanistan.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, in an official statement, said Pakistan appreciated the mediation efforts of Türkiye and Qatar, who facilitated the dialogue between the two sides. “Pakistan thanks the governments of Türkiye and Qatar for their constructive mediation role in the Istanbul talks,” he said.

Tarar stressed that Pakistan had gone into the discussions with a sincere desire for peace, but remained firm on its principled position that Kabul must take verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

“Pakistan stands firmly on its principled position that the responsibility for curbing terrorism emanating from Afghan soil lies with Afghanistan,” the minister said, adding that the Taliban authorities had failed to meet their international, regional, and bilateral commitments under the 2021 Doha Peace Agreement.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan continues to hold goodwill toward the Afghan people and desires “a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future” for Afghanistan. However, he cautioned that Islamabad would not support any actions by the Taliban government that go against the interests of the Afghan people or destabilize neighbouring countries.

“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its people and sovereignty,” Tarar emphasized, underscoring Islamabad’s resolve to defend its borders and citizens from cross-border terrorist threats.

The Istanbul talks, hosted under Turkish and Qatari mediation, were part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address Pakistan’s security concerns following a surge in attacks claimed by groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory.