Istanbul Talks Fail as Taliban, Pakistan Brawl over Terrorism and Borders

DID Press: Two days of talks between Taliban and Pakistani delegations in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, ended without a final agreement, highlighting persistent disagreements over cross-border militancy and security obligations.

According to Daily Dawn, the Taliban delegation refused to provide written commitments to act against militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad described the refusal as “unacceptable.”

Pakistani officials said after nearly nine hours of discussions that Taliban support for terrorist groups was “unacceptable.” Taliban representatives, in turn, dismissed Pakistan’s claims as “illogical and baseless.”

Sources close to the Taliban delegation told regional media that Kabul remains hopeful for a resolution, describing the disputes as “minor.” The Taliban reportedly demanded an end to “military incursions” into Afghan territory and called for measures to prevent the movement of fighters, including ISIS members, from Pakistan.

During the talks, Pakistani representatives presented visual and intelligence evidence of TTP, Baloch separatists, and other militant groups operating from Afghanistan. The Taliban suggested that TTP representatives be included in the discussions, but Pakistan rejected the proposal.

Simultaneously, the Pakistani military reported two attempted infiltrations in the Kurram and North Waziristan regions, citing them as evidence of doubts over the Taliban’s commitment to counterterrorism.

Pakistani sources added that Taliban negotiators, receiving instructions from Kabul and Kandahar, lacked full authority to make binding decisions.

This round of talks, following the October 18 ceasefire, was hosted in Turkey with guarantees from Qatar to reduce tensions and end cross-border clashes. The Pakistani delegation included senior security and intelligence officials, while the Taliban team was led by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib.