The third day of the latest round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded in Istanbul, Turkiye, late Monday without any breakthrough, as Kabul once again resisted Islamabad’s core counterterrorism demands.
According to well-placed sources, the discussions were marred by disagreements, with Pakistan pressing for its proposals while the Afghan delegation appeared restricted by instructions from Kabul.
Mediators acknowledged Pakistan’s demands as both reasonable and legitimate, with even Afghan negotiators reportedly agreeing that Islamabad’s concerns were justified.
However, the delegation’s constant consultations with Kabul created delays and signaled the regime’s unwillingness to make independent decisions. “The delegation appears to be under Kabul’s control, creating delays in progress,” one security source said.
Pakistan reiterated that its demands — primarily aimed at ending the Taliban regime’s patronage of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — were logical, firm, and necessary for lasting peace. The latest negotiations follow recent border clashes that left over 200 militants dead and 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred.
Pakistan also carried out precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, targeting terrorist strongholds, before closing border crossings for security reasons.
Despite Qatar and Turkiye’s mediation, earlier rounds of talks also ended without progress. Pakistani officials maintain that Kabul’s reluctance stems from political motives and possible Indian influence within the Taliban’s leadership circle.
Security sources noted that the Taliban’s arguments were “illogical and detached from ground realities,” reinforcing doubts about their intent to cooperate.
Islamabad has now presented its final position, warning that any continued shelter or tolerance for anti-Pakistan militants will be unacceptable. Further progress, sources added, depends entirely on whether the Taliban show genuine willingness to cooperate and act against terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.
