The latest round of peace talks between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, held in Istanbul and mediated by Turkey and Qatar, ended in a deadlock, leading to strong public warnings from the Taliban side. The negotiations were aimed at reducing escalating border tensions and addressing Pakistan’s concerns about militant groups.

Here are the full details on the collapse of the talks and the resulting warnings:

🛑 Collapse of Istanbul Talks

The third round of talks, which took place over two days, failed to produce a formal agreement, causing both sides to trade blame for the collapse.

1. The Core Disagreement (TTP)

The central sticking point was the presence and operation of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group hostile to Pakistan, allegedly operating from Afghan soil.

• Pakistan’s Demand: Islamabad demanded that the Taliban government take a formal and written responsibility to dismantle TTP sanctuaries and prevent the group from launching attacks into Pakistan. Pakistani officials stated they would not accept “verbal assurances.”
• Taliban’s Position: Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Pakistan’s demand was “unreasonable and uncooperative,” and “beyond Afghanistan’s capacity.” They argued that preventing TTP attacks is the responsibility of Pakistani forces, not the Afghan government, and that the TTP issue predates their return to power.

2. Accusations of Irresponsibility

Taliban officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, publicly accused Pakistan of trying to “shift all responsibility for its security to the Afghan government,” while showing no willingness to assume responsibility for either country’s security.

3. Talks Suspended

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the talks had reached an “uncertain stage with no results” and were effectively suspended indefinitely, with no plans for a fourth round yet.

📢 The Taliban’s Warning to Pakistan

Following the collapse, the Taliban government issued a direct and serious warning regarding potential future hostilities.

• Warning of Self-Defense: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a stark warning, stating, “We do not want insecurity in the region, and entering into war is not our first choice. But if war breaks out, we have the right to defend ourselves.“
• Defense of Sovereignty: The Taliban reiterated its “principled position” that Afghanistan “will not allow its territory to be used against another country,” nor permit any foreign nation to violate its sovereignty. This is a direct reference to previous cross-border fire and Pakistani drone strikes targeting militant leaders inside Afghanistan.
• Warning to Officials: Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes, Borders, and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, reportedly warned Pakistani officials “not to test the patience of the Islamic Emirate.”

📈 Broader Context and Consequences

• Fragile Ceasefire: Although the talks failed, both sides confirmed that the existing Qatar-brokered ceasefire is tentatively still in place, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister stating it would hold “as long as there is no aggression” from the Afghan side.
• Economic Impact: The escalating tensions have led Pakistan to close key border crossings (like Torkham) at various points, severely disrupting vital trade and the repatriation of Afghan refugees, deepening the economic strain on both nations.
• Deterioration of Ties: The failure of this round of internationally-mediated talks marks a significant setback and further deepens the mistrust between the two countries, whose historically warm ties have deteriorated sharply since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.