Pakistan rejects Kabul’s distortion of facts during Istanbul talks

Pakistan has rejected the Afghan government’s claims that Islamabad rejected Kabul’s proposal to repatriate its Pakistani nationals.

In an article on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Pakistan “rejects the deliberate distortion of facts” attributed to the Afghan spokesperson regarding the recent Istanbul talks.

The ministry clarified that during the negotiations, Pakistan demanded action against terrorists operating from Afghanistan and posing a threat to Pakistan. “When the Afghan side claimed that these individuals were Pakistani nationals, Pakistan immediately proposed that they be handed over through designated border posts, in line with Pakistan’s long-standing position,” the statement said.

“Any statement to the contrary is false and misleading,” the ministry added.

Pakistan rejects the deliberate distortion of facts attributed to the Afghan spokesperson regarding the Istanbul talks.

Pakistan has demanded that terrorists in Afghanistan who pose a threat to Pakistan be checked or arrested.

The rebuttal came after a Kabul-based media outlet published a statement on

The war of words came against the backdrop of ceasefire talks in Doha, where Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban reached a tentative agreement on Thursday after six days of high-level talks in Istanbul.

Read: Pakistan and Afghan Taliban reach tentative agreement at Istanbul talks

This development was aimed at preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan and taking decisive action against Indian-backed militant groups Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by Pakistani officials as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ and ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’.

The dialogue appeared to stall several times over the past week, with the Pakistani delegation even preparing to return home without any progress. However, following requests from the host countries – Turkey and Qatar – and a call from the Afghan Taliban delegation, Pakistan agreed to continue negotiations “to give peace another chance”.

During Thursday’s session, the two sides reached a tentative mutual agreement, the key points of which are as follows:

1. All parties reaffirmed that the objective of the talks was to strengthen the ceasefire initially agreed in Doha.

2. Both sides are committed to maintaining the ceasefire on the condition that Afghan territory is not used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The agreement also requires the Afghan Taliban to take “clear, verifiable and effective measures” against groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

3. The next round of negotiations will take place in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize details and implementation mechanisms.

4. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure compliance with the agreement and impose sanctions on any party that violates the agreement.

5. Turkey and Qatar, acting as mediators and hosts, congratulated both parties for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lasting peace and stability in the region.

Read also: The truce with Kabul comes with a warning

During the talks, the Pakistani delegation maintained a strong, evidence-based stance, presenting its demands with “clarity, professionalism and logical consistency.” The final agreement was described as a “victory of reason and the national interest.”

The interim outcome of the talks constitutes a positive step towards regional stability and a landmark achievement despite attempts by adversaries to derail the process through propaganda and pressure.

Pakistan’s participation in the Istanbul talks, marked by “seriousness, prudence and national dignity”, was widely appreciated. Mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar were also credited with contributing to the breakthrough.

The government reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to seeking peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty, national interests or public security. Civil and military leaders reaffirmed their unity and determination to counter all internal and external threats to the stability of the country.