The fragile diplomatic effort to stabilize relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan has crumbled after the third round of peace talks in Istanbul failed, with the Taliban-led Afghan government publicly denouncing Pakistan’s negotiating stance as “irresponsible” and “inauthentic.”
In an official clarification released today, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of obstructing progress despite the good faith efforts of mediators Turkey and Qatar.
Pakistan Accused of Shifting Blame
Mujahid stated that the Afghan delegation, acting on leadership instructions, attended the November 6 and 7 discussions with hopes of achieving a “fundamental solution” to border tensions and cross-border terrorism. However, the talks stalled due to Islamabad’s posture.
Zabihullah Mujahid (Statement): “The Pakistani side attempted to refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government, while at the same time it did not demonstrate any willingness to assume responsibility for either Afghanistan’s security or its own.”
The statement concluded that the “irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude” of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome.
Taliban Defense Minister Issues Warning
The diplomatic breakdown was quickly followed by escalatory rhetoric from the Afghan side, hinting at the potential for military confrontation.
Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes, Borders, and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, issued a stern warning to Pakistani officials, urging them “not to test the patience of Afghans.” He cautioned Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, “not to be overly confident in his country’s technology,” adding that if war breaks out, “both the elders and youth of Afghanistan will rise to fight.”
TTP and Internal Pakistani Factions
In a press conference, Mujahid elaborated that the issue with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is long-standing, predating the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.
He accused the Pakistani military of deliberately sabotaging a previously successful process where the Islamic Emirate had facilitated direct talks between the TTP and Pakistan. Mujahid alleged that there are “factions within the Pakistani military” that oppose a genuinely sovereign Afghan government.
While reaffirming the Taliban’s principled position to prevent the use of Afghan soil against any other country, the statement made clear that the defense of Afghanistan’s people and territory remains an “Islamic and national duty.” The failure of the Istanbul talks deepens mistrust and pushes the two neighbors closer to an open confrontation.