Istanbul talks collapse as Taliban remain intransigent | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

The dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul to salvage a peace deal has failed, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar announced on the social media platform X late on Tuesday.

In his post, the minister said the security of the people of Pakistan is of paramount importance, and the government would employ all its resources to decimate terrorists, their sanctuaries, abetters, and supporters.

Tarar thanked Qatar, Turkiye, and other friendly states for their support and sincere efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem of terrorism, which he said is vital for the prosperity and security of both countries and the wider region.

“The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution. We thank the Governments of Qatar and Turkiye, and other friendly states, for their support and sincere efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem of terrorism,” the minister wrote.

“We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism and assure that the Government of Pakistan will employ all resources required to decimate the terrorists,” he added.

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban on Tuesday held another round of talks in Istanbul, in what appeared to be a last-ditch effort to salvage a deal after earlier marathon rounds ended without any breakthrough.

Sources confirmed that the previous sessions concluded without a definitive outcome after the Afghan delegation adopted an uncooperative and defensive stance, frustrating both the Pakistani side and the mediators.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Afghan delegation repeatedly displayed obstructionist behaviour and avoided direct answers. Some members reportedly used provocative, dismissive, and even insulting language during the meetings, leaving Turkish and Qatari mediators surprised at their posture.

Tarar said that ever since assuming control in Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban regime regarding persistent cross-border terrorism by Indian proxies, Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

The Afghan Taliban regime had been asked repeatedly to honour its written commitments to Pakistan and the international community under the Doha Agreement. However, Pakistan’s efforts proved futile due to the regime’s continued support for anti-Pakistan terrorists.

“Over the last four days of dialogue, the Afghan Taliban delegation repeatedly agreed to Pakistan’s logical and legitimate demand for credible and decisive action against these organisations and terrorists,” Tarar said.

“However, regrettably, the Afghan side gave no assurances,” he said. “The Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses.”

The minister stated that Pakistan is thankful to Qatar and Turkiye for facilitating this dialogue and their sincere efforts to convince the Afghan Taliban regime to desist from using terror proxies as leverage against Pakistan,” he added.