Pakistan affirmed its commitment to “dialogue” with Afghanistan on Sunday, despite acknowledging the conclusion of the latest round of peace negotiations in Istanbul. The talks failed to cement a fragile truce following a warning from the Taliban government that it reserves the right to defend itself against any military action.
In a significant diplomatic move to prevent further escalation, a high-level Turkish delegation—including Turkey’s foreign minister, defence minister, and intelligence chief—plans to travel to Pakistan this week to discuss the stalled peace process, according to a Reuters report.
Pakistan Demands Action on Terrorism
In its first official acknowledgement that the negotiations were over, Pakistan’s foreign office stated that the third round of talks “concluded” on Friday.
The foreign ministry reiterated its stance that resolving terrorism concerns is paramount:
“Pakistan remains committed to (the) resolution of bilateral differences through dialogue. However, Pakistan’s core concern, i.e. terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, needs to be addressed first and foremost,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of harbouring militant groups, specifically the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which frequently claims deadly cross-border attacks. The Afghan Taliban government consistently denies sheltering the group.
Turkey Intervenes to Seal Peace
The negotiations in Istanbul were an effort to solidify a truce initially agreed upon in Qatar on October 19, following cross-border clashes that had killed dozens of people.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an official readout following his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Baku, Azerbaijan, stated that the tripartite visit aims to “seal a permanent ceasefire and peace between the nations as soon as possible.”
Kabul Blames ‘Unreasonable Demands’
The diplomatic intervention comes immediately after the Taliban government issued a firm warning on Saturday regarding its right to self-defense.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, quoted by news agency AP, blamed Pakistan for the failure of the talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar. Mujahid termed Pakistan’s demands “unreasonable,” claiming they stagnated the peace process.
While maintaining that Afghanistan “does not want insecurity in the region, and entering into war is not our first choice,” Mujahid issued a clear threat:
“If war breaks out, we have the right to defend ourselves.”
He previously stated that Afghanistan “will not allow anyone to use its territory against another country, nor permit actions that undermine its sovereignty or security.”