ISTANBUL (Realist English). Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have collapsed in Istanbul after four days of negotiations, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban government in Kabul of refusing to act against militants blamed for a wave of deadly cross-border attacks.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the breakdown of talks early Wednesday, saying the dialogue “failed to bring about any workable solution,” despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey.
The discussions followed an earlier round in Doha, which produced a ceasefire on Oct. 19 after border clashes left dozens of soldiers, militants, and civilians dead. The truce remains technically in place, but relations between the two neighbors have continued to deteriorate.
Pakistan blames Kabul for inaction
“Pakistan gave peace a chance at the request of brotherly countries Qatar and Turkey,” Tarar said on X. “But the Taliban regime has shown indifference to Pakistan’s losses, even though we have always desired peace and prosperity for the Afghan people.”
He accused the Taliban of “thriving on a war economy” and warned that Pakistan’s patience “has run its course.” Islamabad, he said, will “continue to take all necessary measures to protect our people from terrorism.”
Taliban authorities in Kabul have not yet commented on the remarks. Afghan state media, however, blamed the Pakistani delegation for the failure, claiming Islamabad “did not seem to have the intention” to reach a deal.
Mediation efforts stall
According to Pakistani officials who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the deadlock centered on Kabul’s reluctance to guarantee that Afghan territory would not be used for attacks against Pakistan. The officials said the Taliban negotiators were “not fully willing” to accept Pakistan’s proposals and repeatedly sought instructions from Kabul.
Afghanistan’s state broadcaster RTA countered that Kabul “made every effort” to hold constructive talks, accusing Pakistan of undermining the process.
Background to the crisis
The breakdown in talks comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to “help resolve the crisis between the two neighbors very quickly.” The U.S., Qatar, and Turkey have all been involved in efforts to de-escalate border tensions.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks since 2021, mostly carried out by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban. Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing the group with safe havens — a charge Afghanistan denies.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military reportedly launched strikes on TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan, triggering renewed clashes until Qatar brokered the ceasefire.
Economic impact
All border crossings between the two countries have now been closed for more than two weeks, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded and disrupting trade along one of South Asia’s busiest land routes.
Analyst Syed Mohammad Ali, based in Islamabad, said Afghanistan’s strategy at the talks appeared to be to “slow the diplomatic process and avoid giving verifiable commitments” to act against militants. “Until that changes,” he said, “the cycle of attacks and mistrust is likely to continue.”
