NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul have hit an impasse, according to security officials familiar with the discussions. The talks, facilitated by Qatar and Turkiye, have yet to produce any breakthrough.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the dialogue has stalled, though he acknowledged the efforts of both mediating countries for hosting and supporting the process. Tarar reiterated that Pakistan’s position remains unchanged: any militant activity originating from Afghan territory is the responsibility of the Afghan authorities to address.
He noted that the Taliban administration has not fulfilled several commitments made under the 2021 Doha Agreement—obligations that carry international, regional, and bilateral significance.
Despite the deadlock, Tarar stressed that Pakistan continues to value the Afghan people and supports a peaceful, stable Afghanistan. He added that Islamabad cannot back any actions by the Taliban government that undermine either Afghan citizens or neighboring states, and affirmed that Pakistan will take all necessary steps to protect its borders and population.
The ongoing consultations—held first in Qatar and now in Istanbul—are part of Pakistan’s push for a firm counterterrorism framework. The third round of ceasefire-related discussions began on Thursday, with senior representatives from both sides participating.
Earlier, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s clear stance that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against any country. FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad has handed mediators a set of evidence-based demands, which are being reviewed point-by-point with the Taliban delegation.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/pakistan-wants-written-commitment-in-talks-with-afghan-taliban-asif/
