NATIONAL NEWS
ISTANBUL: The latest round of negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul has concluded without any progress, after the Afghan side declined to provide written guarantees requested by Islamabad.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the third round of discussions ended in a deadlock and that the Pakistani team has returned home. He said there is currently no plan for another meeting.
According to Asif, mediators from Turkiye and Qatar made sincere efforts, but even they appeared unconvinced by the Afghan delegation’s reluctance to commit in writing. He thanked both countries for supporting Pakistan’s stance throughout the process.
Asif said the Afghan interlocutors pushed for verbal assurances instead of a formal document—an approach Pakistan rejected. He noted that while the Afghan side verbally agreed with several points during the talks, it ultimately refused to sign any written commitments. “In international negotiations, final agreements are documented, not delivered verbally,” he said.
The defence minister reiterated that Pakistan’s core expectation is for Afghan soil not to be used for attacks against Pakistan. He stated that Islamabad would respond accordingly if cross-border threats emerge, but the ceasefire would remain intact as long as Afghanistan prevents such activity.
Asif urged the Taliban leadership to opt for a written framework, calling it essential for the stability of both nations and for broader regional security. He added that if the Afghan Taliban claim they do not control the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), then they should allow Pakistan to take action, and such operations should not be obstructed.
Read more:https://nayakashmir.com/stalemate-continues-in-pakistan-afghan-taliban-talks-in-istanbul/
