Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have collapsed, Pakistan's Information Minister announced, accusing the Taliban of failing
to address militant activities linked to cross-border attacks. The four days of negotiations in Istanbul followed an earlier round in Doha that produced a ceasefire on October 19 after deadly border clashes between the two sides left dozens dead, including soldiers, civilians, and militants. Before dawn on Wednesday, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar took to social media platform X, saying the dialogue "failed to bring about any workable solution," despite mediation by Qatar and Turkey. The latest development came hours after the state media in both countries said there was an impasse in the talks, with both sides blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harbouring militants linked to a surge in attacks, while Kabul denies its territory is being used against Pakistan. There was no immediate comment from Kabul about Tarar's remarks. Tarar further stated that Pakistan, at the request of brotherly countries Qatar and Turkey, gave peace a chance and engaged with the Afghan Taliban government, but the Taliban was "indifferent to Pakistan's losses" even though "Pakistan has always desired, advocated, and immensely sacrificed for peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan." He said that while Pakistan is thankful to Qatar and Turkey for facilitating this dialogue, which was part of a broader diplomatic push to ease months of heightened tension between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border attacks, "Pakistan's patience has run its course". The Minister accused the Taliban regime of "bearing no responsibility towards the people of Afghanistan and thriving on war economy". He warned that Islamabad would "continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism." Also Read: Peace On The Brink? Pakistan Threatens Afghanistan With 'Open War' Amid Istanbul Talks
What is the deadlock over?
Earlier, on Tuesday, three Pakistani security officials who had direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that there was a deadlock in the talks in Istanbul over the reluctance of Kabul in accepting demands about assurances that Afghan soil not be used against Pakistan. They said the host country was trying to end the deadlock so that the final round of the talks could resume as soon as possible.
According to the Pakistani officials, the Taliban delegation was "not fully willing" to accept Pakistan's proposals and continued to seek guidance from Kabul before making decisions.
Afghanistan-controlled media RTA made similar accusations against the Pakistani side, saying Kabul "made every effort to hold constructive talks", but that the "Pakistani side does not seem to have this intention."
As the latest round of the talks was underway in Turkey, US President Donald Trump on Sunday pledged to help resolve the crisis between the two neighbours very quickly.
(With agency inputs)
