Pakistan demands ‘concrete and verifiable steps’ from Kabul to eliminate cross-border terrorism during Istanbul talks
Afghan Taliban patrol near the Afghan-Pakistani border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, October 15. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan has presented its final position to the Afghan Taliban regime in the second round of talks, strongly rejecting what it calls their continued support for cross-border attacks and terrorism, calling such activities “unacceptable”, security sources said.
The ongoing negotiations – mediated by Turkey and Qatar – aim to avoid a resumption of conflict following clashes between the two countries’ border forces earlier this month, the worst since the Taliban’s capture of Kabul in 2021.
According to security sources, the Pakistani delegation made it clear during Sunday’s session that the Taliban’s support for militant groups operating from Afghan soil could not be tolerated. Islamabad, they said, was demanding “concrete and verifiable steps” from Kabul to eliminate cross-border terrorism.
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“On the contrary, the arguments presented by the Taliban are illogical and contrary to the realities on the ground,” said a security source. “It appears that the Taliban are following someone else’s agenda, which is not in the interest of stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan or the region as a whole.”
The officials added that further progress in the negotiations will depend on the positive and constructive attitude of the Afghan Taliban. Although no final results have yet been achieved, sources indicated that the Taliban remained reluctant to take action against Fitna al-Khwarij.
The Pakistani delegation presented what officials described as substantial evidence of the presence of Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan on Afghan soil, including proof that the Afghan Taliban provided shelter to their leaders.
The officials further noted that the Taliban, as non-state actors themselves, appear unable to understand the implications of supporting other non-state groups at the expense of formal relations with Pakistan – a country that has long been a benefactor of the Afghan people.
Learn more: Pakistan presents counter-terrorism plan for Afghanistan at Istanbul talks
“The Pakistani delegation joined the talks with complete clarity, presenting key issues with solid evidence and refusing to let the discussions deviate,” a security source said. “Pakistan has maintained its position that it will not engage with Fitna al-Khwarij and that the Afghan Taliban must withdraw its support for the leadership of all proxies. »
The officials also stressed that the Taliban’s refusal to act on Pakistan’s request – which was endorsed by Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – indicates that their current direction takes precedence over the consensus of international interlocutors. Sources have suggested that this program could be influenced by India, which is apparently seeking to re-establish its foothold in Afghanistan.
Security officials have warned that a prolonged standoff could force Pakistan to take unilateral action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a move that could result in significant costs for both countries. “Afghanistan would also face more serious consequences, for which the Taliban would be responsible,” warned a source.
The officials stressed that it would be in the interests of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as regional stability, for the Taliban to take a practical and cooperative approach and act decisively against proxy groups operating from Afghan territory.
Doha talks
The Istanbul dialogues follow Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing to an immediate ceasefire at the Doha talks, after a week of intense border clashes – the worst since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021.
The ceasefire “has been finalized,” Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on X last Sunday, saying the two sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed issues.”
The Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, includes other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the negotiations were led by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.
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Pakistani officials have raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, particularly singling out groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad says these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents in Pakistan in recent months.
Sources close to the negotiations said Pakistan had presented a “one-point agenda” focused on eliminating terrorist networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must eliminate terrorist organizations and their hideouts,” sources said.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties had agreed to a comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire.
Tensions escalate after unprovoked shooting by Afghan Taliban regime
Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghan border escalated on October 12, when clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban regime opened fire without provocation at several locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, provoking a swift and forceful response from the Pakistani army, which destroyed several Afghan posts and killed dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants.
The coordinated assault began in several key areas including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baramcha in Balochistan. According to security sources, the firing was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij – the state’s term for the banned TTP – into Pakistani territory.
“The Pakistani army reacted immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counter-offensive effectively targeted and destroyed several Afghan posts on the border. Dozens of Afghan and Khwarij soldiers were killed in retaliatory fire.”
