Pakistan–Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse in Istanbul After Four Days

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government in Istanbul have ended without success after four days of negotiations. Pakistan accused the Taliban-led government in Kabul of sheltering militants involved in deadly cross-border attacks. The collapse of the talks has reignited tensions despite a ceasefire agreement that was brokered earlier this month by Qatar. The failed talks followed an earlier round in Doha on October 19, which resulted in a temporary ceasefire after deadly border clashes killed dozens, including soldiers and civilians. Pakistan continues to claim that militants are being sheltered in Afghanistan, while the Taliban government denies allowing its territory to be used against Pakistan.

Before dawn on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on X (formerly Twitter) that the dialogue “failed to bring about any workable solution,” despite the efforts of mediators from Qatar and Turkey. Kabul has not yet responded to these remarks. The latest setback came after state media in both countries reported an impasse, with each side blaming the other for the deadlock. Tarar said Pakistan, at the request of friendly nations Qatar and Turkey, decided to give peace another chance by engaging with the Afghan Taliban first in Doha and then in Istanbul.

He accused the Taliban of showing indifference to Pakistan’s security concerns, despite Islamabad’s long-standing support for Afghanistan’s peace and prosperity. Tarar expressed gratitude to Qatar and Turkey for facilitating the dialogue, describing it as part of a broader diplomatic push to ease rising tensions. Tarar further claimed that the Taliban regime “thrives on a war economy” and is attempting to drag the Afghan people into unnecessary conflict. He warned that Pakistan’s patience “has run its course,” and the country will take all necessary steps to protect its citizens from terrorism. Earlier, on Tuesday, Pakistani security officials who were directly involved in the talks confirmed that the deadlock was mainly due to Kabul’s reluctance to assure Islamabad that Afghan soil would not be used for attacks against Pakistan.