Taliban Warns Pakistan of “Strong Response” after Failed Istanbul Talks

DID Press: Taliban government has issued a sharp warning to Pakistan, saying any potential military action from Islamabad will be met with an immediate and forceful response. The warning comes after bilateral talks in Istanbul reportedly collapsed without agreement.

Abdul Mateen Qane, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, told reporters on Tuesday that any attack by Pakistan will trigger a decisive reaction from Taliban forces.

According to informed sources, negotiations between Afghan and Pakistani delegations in Turkey broke down after the Pakistani side abruptly walked out, following what Kabul described as “unreasonable and unacceptable” demands. Islamabad had reportedly asked the Taliban to restrain and repatriate armed groups allegedly operating against Pakistan, a request that the Afghan delegation rejected.

Taliban officials reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy but warned that any Pakistani airstrike would prompt direct retaliation against targets inside Pakistan, including in Islamabad.

The warning follows a series of recent Pakistani cross-border operations inside Afghanistan, raising fears of escalating clashes along the Durand Line. Analysts caution that any retaliatory moves could further destabilize the already fragile regional security landscape.