Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks End in Deadlock

Islamabad: The third round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Türkiye under the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye, ended on Friday without any breakthrough, leaving tensions along the border unresolved.

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Pakistan appreciated the role of the “brotherly countries” in facilitating the dialogue, but stressed that the responsibility now lay with Afghanistan to honor its long-standing international, regional, and bilateral pledges on counter-terrorism.

“The onus lies on Afghanistan to fulfill its commitments regarding the control of terrorism — pledges which so far they have failed to meet,” the minister said.

He emphasized that Pakistan harbors no ill will toward the Afghan people but would not support any measures by the Afghan Taliban regime that are detrimental to the interests of the Afghan population or neighboring countries.

“Pakistan shall continue to exercise all options necessary to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty,” Mr. Tarar added.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which had been temporarily closed following repeated cross-border attacks allegedly launched by militants from Afghan soil, will remain shut in the aftermath of the deadlock. Officials said trade activities are suspended, and crossings will only be opened to facilitate the deportation of Afghan nationals.

Sources indicated that Islamabad conveyed its firm stance during the talks, calling on Kabul to take concrete measures against militant sanctuaries operating inside Afghanistan. Observers say the deadlock marks another setback in Pakistan’s efforts to secure written guarantees from the Afghan Taliban, despite mediation by friendly countries.

The talks in İstanbul were part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to address a surge in cross-border attacks, particularly by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad alleges operate from Afghan territory. Previous rounds of dialogue, also mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, failed to yield concrete results, with Pakistan insisting on written assurances and verifiable action from Kabul. The latest deadlock comes amid heightened border tensions and ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals.