DID Press: “Failed talks between Taliban and Pakistan in Turkey can push the region into a new cycle of war, bloodshed, and insecurity,” warned former Afghanistan National Security Advisor, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, suggesting a political solution as the only way to prevent catastrophe. He believes a national inclusive dialogue should be initiated to reach a comprehensive agreement within Afghanistan.
“Negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani delegations in Turkey ended without any agreement,” said Atmar In a post on X. He described the outcome as indicative of a deep deadlock in bilateral relations and cautioned that continuing the current situation may have disastrous consequences for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the wider region.
Atmar emphasized that the only realistic option to curb violence and instability is a political solution. Both sides must sever ties with domestic and foreign terrorist groups, respect citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms, and create conditions for sustainable peace.
Highlighting the urgent need for a shift in Taliban policy, he said: “The Taliban must listen to the voices of the Afghan people and, instead of relying on repression and monopoly, initiate intra-Afghan dialogues to reach an inclusive agreement.”
He also urged Islamabad to respond positively to the legitimate demands of Pashtuns, Balochs, and other ethnic groups for security, justice, and democracy.
The three-day Taliban-Pakistan talks, mediated by Turkey, focused on curbing Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) activities, but ended without result due to Taliban’s refusal to take practical action against the group at Islamabad’s request.
Following the failure, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that the breakdown could escalate into full-scale conflict between the two countries. Diplomatic observers also believe the collapse of the Istanbul talks has pushed already fragile Kabul-Islamabad relations into a highly precarious phase, raising fears of renewed border clashes.