Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Stall in Istanbul Amid Mutual Blame

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a deadlock in Istanbul, with both sides trading accusations over the failure to make progress after three days of negotiations. Turkish officials are continuing efforts to salvage the discussions, aimed at reducing tensions following months of deadly cross-border violence.

The Istanbul meetings form part of a broader diplomatic initiative to address persistent friction between Islamabad and Kabul over militant safe havens and cross-border attacks — issues that have strained relations since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

According to Pakistan Television, Turkish mediators and several other nations are working to maintain the fragile ceasefire agreed in Doha on October 19, following intense border clashes that left dozens of soldiers, militants, and civilians dead.

Three senior Pakistani security officials told the Associated Press that the negotiations had stalled due to Kabul’s unwillingness to meet what Islamabad described as its “logical and legitimate” demands — namely, assurances that Afghan territory would not be used for attacks inside Pakistan. The officials, speaking anonymously, said the Taliban delegation had been “reluctant” to accept Pakistan’s proposals and frequently sought instructions from Kabul before responding.

Afghanistan’s state broadcaster, RTA, offered a contrasting account, accusing the Pakistani delegation of lacking the intention to pursue “constructive talks.” The Afghan side, it said, had shown flexibility in seeking a peaceful resolution.

There has been no formal statement from either government on whether the talks will continue, though both delegations remain in Türkiye. It remains unclear if a fourth day of negotiations will take place.

The impasse comes despite efforts by the United States and regional actors to de-escalate tensions. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Washington could help “resolve the crisis between the two neighbors very quickly.”

The ongoing dispute follows a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan, many claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group closely allied with the Afghan Taliban. Islamabad maintains that the TTP operates from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan — a claim Kabul denies.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military reportedly struck TTP hideouts across the border, triggering deadly exchanges of fire that prompted Qatar to mediate a temporary truce.

Despite the ceasefire, border crossings between the two nations remain closed, leaving trucks loaded with goods stranded and disrupting key trade routes.

Security analyst Syed Mohammad Ali said on Tuesday that Afghanistan appeared to be “slowing the diplomatic process” and avoiding firm commitments to act against anti-Pakistan militants. He warned that without clear, verifiable assurances, “the cycle of violence and mistrust is likely to persist.”