Islamabad reiterates principled stance during third round of negotiations
Pakistan urges Afghan Taliban to halt backing of terrorists
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban opened a third round of talks in Istanbul after a fresh spate of border clashes this month, with Islamabad demanding concrete steps to stop militants from using Afghan territory against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s core demands
Pakistani officials reiterated that Kabul must halt any facilitation of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), often described by Islamabad as khawarij, and prevent cross-border attacks. Delegates stressed that sheltering or tolerating militants targeting Pakistan is unacceptable and called for verifiable action to dismantle terrorist networks operating from inside Afghanistan.
Mediation and previous rounds
Qatar and Türkiye have been mediating between the two sides. Two earlier rounds produced no breakthrough, but interlocutors say Pakistan and partner countries remain engaged despite outside pressures and negative influences.
Escalation at the frontier
This month’s tensions followed what Islamabad termed unprovoked fire on Pakistani border posts by Taliban fighters and allied militants. The Pakistan Armed Forces said they repelled multiple assaults, killing more than 200 assailants while losing 23 soldiers. Pakistan subsequently conducted precision strikes against alleged militant hideouts in Kandahar and Kabul and temporarily shut major border crossings, citing public safety over trade flows.
Sticking points in Istanbul
Security sources describe the Taliban delegation’s responses as detached from realities on the ground, deepening doubts about Kabul’s willingness to contribute to regional stability. Pakistani envoys conveyed what they called a final position: progress now hinges on the Taliban’s readiness to cooperate in good faith and to take “concrete and definitive” counterterror measures.
Regional dynamics
Islamabad has also voiced concern that elements within the Taliban are acting at cross-purposes to Pakistan’s security, including perceived alignment with Indian interests. Mediators in Ankara are attempting to bridge gaps by reviewing evidence and clarifying the seriousness of Pakistan’s concerns, but officials caution that meaningful movement depends on a shift in the Taliban’s current stance.
