Taliban-Pakistan Talks End in Deadlock, Reported Journalists

DID Press: A two-day round of talks between Taliban representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistani officials concluded in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, but significant disagreements and the Taliban’s refusal to provide written commitments have led to an impasse.

Pakistani journalists covering the talks reported a tense and opaque atmosphere. Tahir Khan noted that parties released only limited and unofficial information, which media outlets often reported without full verification. He warned that without progress in future meetings, issues could become increasingly complex.

Journalist Wajahat Masood described negotiations as a definitive failure, suggesting that current disagreements might ultimately escalate into open conflict. Earlier, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, had warned that a breakdown in talks will trigger direct confrontation with the Taliban government.

According to Islamabad-based Daily Dawn, Pakistan sought written Taliban commitments to dismantle safe havens for militant groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but Taliban deemed this request unreasonable. Conversely, the Taliban demanded a halt to military incursions into Afghanistan territory and restrictions on the movement of terrorist groups, including ISIS, from Pakistan.

Taliban’s proposal to allow direct talks between TTP and Pakistan was rejected. The Pakistani military also reported attempts at infiltration in border areas, interpreting these as signs of Taliban reluctance to fully honor their commitments. Despite initial hopes, lack of written guarantees from the Taliban has stalled the talks.