ISLAMABAD: The latest round of negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any progress, leading Islamabad to announce that it will now launch a comprehensive operation against terrorist groups and their facilitators.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the breakdown of the four-day dialogue, saying the Afghan side refused to take effective measures against terror networks operating from its soil.
The talks, held in October 2025 under the mediation of Qatar and Turkey, focused on preventing Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan. However, Tarar said the Afghan delegation “failed to provide any concrete assurances” despite being presented with what he called “solid and verifiable evidence” of the involvement of India-backed groups.
According to Tarar, Pakistan shared extensive proof with both the Afghan delegation and mediators, including evidence against banned outfits such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). “Our demands were logical and consistent with the Doha Agreement, but Kabul’s attitude remained evasive,” he said.
He accused the Taliban government of “indulging in excuses and blame-shifting” instead of addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns. “Our patience has worn thin after years of losses in blood and resources,” Tarar added.
Criticizing the Taliban administration, the minister described it as “non-representative of the Afghan people” and driven by a “war economy.” He warned that its unwillingness to act against militants could further destabilize the region. “Pakistan has always stood for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan,” he said, “but the Taliban’s indifference to our sacrifices is deeply disappointing.”
Tarar explained that Pakistan had agreed to participate in the Istanbul and earlier Doha talks “to give peace another chance” at the request of Qatar and Turkey. However, he said, the Afghan side “kept straying from the main agenda” and used diversion tactics instead of offering solutions.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif echoed Tarar’s frustration, issuing a strong warning to Kabul. “If Islamabad even looks at them, it will gouge out its eyes,” he said, referring to the Afghan Taliban’s failure to rein in anti-Pakistan militants. Asif dismissed the idea that negotiations with the banned TTP could curb terrorism, insisting that only firm action would work.
The Istanbul dialogue followed a temporary ceasefire reached in Doha on October 19, during which both countries had agreed to work toward a long-term peace framework. However, officials involved in the process said the Afghan delegation repeatedly changed its stance after consulting Kabul, stalling any progress.
Despite support from mediators, Pakistan’s proposals for coordinated counterterrorism measures failed to gain traction. “Our expectations were clear and reasonable,” a senior official said, “but the lack of commitment from the Afghan side left no room for optimism.”
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