Impasse leaves Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks mired in uncertainty
The recent negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held over three days in Istanbul, concluded without reaching a breakthrough.
Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at brokering a lasting truce ended in deadlock on Wednesday after three days of negotiations in Istanbul, officials said. The discussions, which followed weeks of cross-border hostilities that left dozens dead on both sides, failed to produce a breakthrough despite mediation by Qatar and Turkiye. State media in both countries blamed the other side for the lack of agreement, with Pakistan’s information minister confirming early Wednesday that no resolution had been reached.
The ceasefire agreed earlier this month remains in place, though sporadic clashes continue along the border. Pakistani military officials reported that five soldiers were killed and 25 opponents died in weekend skirmishes described as involving ‘Fitna al-Khwarij’, a term used for armed groups suspected of receiving foreign backing. The violence has raised regional concerns about the resurgence of groups like al-Qaeda.
The primary obstacle in the talks was Kabul’s stance on the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), a militant group hostile to Pakistan but separate from Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers. Islamabad alleges the TTP operates freely in Afghanistan, where its leadership is now based. Pakistani television reported that the Afghan delegation had initially agreed to Pakistan’s demand for action against the TTP, but later changed its position following instructions from Kabul.
Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at brokering a lasting truce ended in deadlock on Wednesday after three days of negotiations in Istanbul, officials said.
An Afghan source familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that discussions ended after ‘tense exchanges’ over the issue, with Kabul insisting it has no control over the group. The Taliban-controlled broadcaster RTA blamed Pakistan for the impasse, saying Kabul had ‘made every effort to hold constructive talks’ but that the ‘Pakistani side does not seem to have this intention’.
Turkish mediators were reported to be continuing efforts to break the deadlock, with Pakistan Television describing a ‘last-ditch effort’ to resolve the issues. However, Reuters cited sources from both sides as saying the talks had concluded without a resolution. The cross-border violence earlier this month marked the deadliest fighting between the neighbours since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021.
United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would ‘solve the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis very quickly’, though no further details were provided. The impasse leaves the future of the peace process uncertain, with both sides reporting that the ceasefire remains intact despite ongoing tensions.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
