Pakistan-Afghan Taliban Istanbul Talks End Without Breakthrough, Tarar Confirms

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed early Wednesday that four-day talks in Istanbul with the Afghan Taliban had concluded without a breakthrough, despite Pakistan repeatedly presenting evidence-backed counterterrorism demands.

“The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution,” Tarar stated in an X post following the conclusion of the talks. He emphasized that Pakistan has long sought cooperation from Kabul to counter militants targeting the country.

“Ever since the assumption of control in Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban Regime regarding persistent cross-border terrorism by Indian-abetted Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan (BLA),” he added.

Tarar noted that Islamabad had repeatedly urged the Taliban regime to fulfill their written commitments under the Doha Agreement. “Pakistan’s fervent efforts proved futile due to the Afghan Taliban Regime’s unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists,” he said, criticizing the Taliban for prioritizing a war economy over the welfare of the Afghan people.

Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, he said, “Pakistan has always desired, advocated and immensely sacrificed for peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan.” He stressed that despite numerous rounds of dialogue, the Taliban had remained indifferent to Pakistan’s losses.

The minister explained that Pakistan joined the talks in Doha and later Istanbul “to give peace a chance,” responding to requests from Qatar and Turkiye. Pakistan presented “sufficient and irrefutable evidence” of terrorist activity, which was acknowledged by the Afghan Taliban and the hosts, but the Taliban offered no assurances.

“The Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to a blame game, deflection, and ruses,” Tarar said, thanking Qatar, Turkiye, and other countries for their efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to national security, stating, “The security of its people is of paramount importance to Pakistan. We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism and assure them that the Government of Pakistan will continue to employ all the resources which are required in this regard to decimate the terrorists, their sanctuaries, their abetters and supporters.”

Sources indicated that Pakistan and Turkiye had made last-minute efforts to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism, but the Afghan delegation repeatedly shifted positions under Kabul’s instructions, slowing progress. Over the week-long talks, Pakistan presented clear, evidence-based counterterrorism demands, but Taliban inflexibility stalled meaningful results.

Although the Taliban acknowledged Pakistan’s demands, they refused to commit to action against militants, particularly the TTP. Disagreements marked the third day of talks, while mediators recognized Pakistan’s demands as reasonable and legitimate.

Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated amid rising terror attacks in Pakistan. The situation intensified after an October 12 attack by Taliban forces and India-backed TTP militants, to which the Pakistan Armed Forces responded with operations in Kandahar, Kabul, and border areas, killing over 200 militants.

The sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire during the October 19 Doha talks and had planned further meetings to establish a permanent mechanism for peace and stability.