Turkey Hosts Stalled Peace Talks Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Negotiations aimed at achieving peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a standstill in Istanbul following three days of discussions. Both nations’ state media reported on Tuesday that they blame each other for the inability to reach an agreement, while Turkish officials continue to seek solutions to the impasse. This round of talks is part of a broader diplomatic effort to alleviate the heightened tensions that have arisen between Islamabad and Kabul, particularly regarding cross-border attacks and the presence of militant safe havens. These issues have strained relations significantly since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan four years ago.

Delegations from both countries remain in Turkey, but it remains uncertain whether discussions will extend into a fourth day. Pakistani state media reported that Turkish diplomats, along with representatives from several other nations, are striving to maintain the ceasefire established on October 19, 2023, in Doha. This ceasefire was brokered after violent clashes resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers, militants, and civilians from both sides.

According to three Pakistani security officials familiar with the ongoing negotiations, the deadlock stems from Afghanistan’s reluctance to accept what they describe as Pakistan’s reasonable demands. These demands include assurances that Afghan territory will not be used for attacks against Pakistan. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials indicated that Turkey is actively trying to resolve the stalemate so that negotiations can resume promptly.

The Taliban delegation has reportedly been hesitant to embrace Pakistan’s proposals, often seeking further guidance from Kabul before making decisions. No immediate response from Afghan officials regarding these claims was available. Meanwhile, Afghan-controlled media, such as RTA, echoed the accusations against Pakistan, asserting that Kabul has made substantial efforts to engage in constructive dialogue, but that Islamabad does not appear equally committed.

As the talks continue in Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Sunday to facilitate a rapid resolution to the crisis between the two neighboring countries. The recent escalation in violence prompted Qatar to host the initial round of talks, which produced a ceasefire that both sides assert is still holding, despite the current deadlock in Istanbul.

An official statement regarding the status of the negotiations has yet to be issued by either side. Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Mohammad Ali remarked on Tuesday that Afghanistan’s strategy appears to be to delay the diplomatic process while redirecting attention to other bilateral matters. He emphasized Afghanistan’s reluctance to provide clear, verifiable commitments to combat the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups based in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has experienced a notable increase in militant attacks in recent years, primarily attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group closely aligned with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Islamabad has alleged that the TTP is receiving sanctuary in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. Earlier this month, Pakistani authorities indicated that military strikes targeted TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, leading to violent confrontations between the two nations until the ceasefire was brokered.

Currently, all border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been closed for over two weeks, resulting in significant disruptions to trade, with trucks carrying goods stranded and awaiting the reopening of vital trade routes.