Talks in Istanbul end with no counterterror accord

News Desk 

Islamabad: The latest round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks in Istanbul concluded late Monday without tangible progress, as Kabul’s delegation resisted Islamabad’s core counterterrorism demands despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar.

According to security and diplomatic sources, the Afghan Taliban representatives remained hesitant to endorse Pakistan’s proposals aimed at curbing cross-border terrorism and dismantling sanctuaries of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The stalemate, they said, reflected deep divisions within Kabul’s leadership and a lack of political will to address Pakistan’s long-standing security concerns.

Pakistan’s delegation, sources said, reiterated that counterterror cooperation was central to regional peace and warned that continued inaction against militant groups operating from Afghan soil could strain bilateral ties further.

“The Pakistani side emphasized that its demands are both legitimate and essential for stability on both sides of the border,” a senior security official told APP, adding that Islamabad had “shared credible intelligence proving TTP’s operational bases inside Afghanistan.”

Officials privy to the talks described the Afghan team as “bound by instructions from Kabul,” frequently seeking guidance during sessions, which slowed progress. Mediators from Turkey and Qatar reportedly viewed Pakistan’s proposals as “reasonable and actionable,” yet the Afghan side refrained from formal commitments.

The third round of Istanbul negotiations follows a series of deadly border clashes earlier this month that left 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred and more than 200 militants killed in retaliatory strikes. The border tension prompted Pakistan to close key crossings, citing the safety of its citizens.

Despite a ceasefire brokered by mediators, Islamabad remains firm on its demand that the Taliban administration take “concrete and verifiable steps” to end its patronage of groups targeting Pakistan.

Sources said Pakistan’s message was clear: “Any tolerance or shelter for anti-Pakistan militants will invite a firm response.”

While mediators continue efforts to bridge the gap, officials warn that meaningful progress now depends entirely on Kabul’s willingness to cooperate. “The Afghan side’s reluctance to act against terror networks risks isolating it diplomatically,” a source familiar with the talks noted.

The Istanbul round is expected to resume later this week, but expectations for a breakthrough remain low as both sides hold firm to their positions.