Asif Durrani: Taliban Opt to Maintain Confrontation with Pakistan

DID Press: Pakistan’s former special representative for Afghanistan said that recent Istanbul talks between Kabul and Islamabad have reached a deadlock, indicating that the Taliban have no intention of easing tensions with Pakistan.

Asif Durrani, reacting to the failure of the latest round of talks in Istanbul, said that it appears the Taliban have decided to maintain their confrontational stance toward Islamabad.

“Lack of agreement on security and border issues during the Istanbul meeting has further strained relations between the two neighbors,” he added.

Durrani noted that Pakistan had expected the Taliban to take concrete action against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but no progress has been made.

“The Taliban are displeased with Islamabad’s pressure and prefer to continue resisting Pakistan’s demands,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taliban-controlled National Television claimed the third round of talks in Istanbul failed due to the “irresponsible approach and lack of cooperation” from the Pakistani delegation.