Third Day of Istanbul Talks Faces Challenges

Istanbul: The third day of ongoing talks in Istanbul has faced significant difficulties, according to reliable sources.

Sources say Pakistan has presented logical and well-reasoned demands that are considered fair and justified. However, the Afghan Taliban delegation is reportedly unwilling to fully accept these demands.

Host countries have also acknowledged that Pakistan’s demands are reasonable and in everyone’s best interest, sources added. Interestingly, even members of the Afghan Taliban delegation privately agree that these demands make sense.

Despite this, the Taliban team continues to consult with the Kabul administration and appears to be following its directions closely. “It would be fair to say that they are being controlled from Kabul,” one source said.

The Pakistani delegation has repeatedly emphasized that accepting these demands would benefit all sides and help advance peace efforts. Host nations have also conveyed the same message to the Afghan representatives.

However, sources report that no encouraging response has been received from Kabul, leading to a deadlock in the negotiations. It appears that certain elements within Kabul may be working on a different agenda, the sources suggested.

Pakistan’s stance remains logical, firm, and essential for lasting peace, they concluded.