The delegation led by DG ISI returns to the country; The minister said Pak’s concerns centered on security; Turkey and Qatar praised
Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
High-stakes talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any progress on Friday as the Pakistani delegation returned home.
State media confirmed, citing sources, that the Pakistani delegation led by ISI Director General Lt. Gen. Asim Malik had started leaving Istanbul.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed that the last round ended in an impasse and that there were no plans to continue negotiations in the near future.
“The round ended without an agreement,” confirmed a security source, adding that the two parties held several sessions in recent days under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar.
Following the talks, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a statement reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position and expressing appreciation for the mediating role of Turkey and Qatar.
“Pakistan thanks Turkey and Qatar for their facilitation during the dialogue process,” Tarar said.
“Pakistan remains firm in its position that the responsibility for controlling terrorism emanating from Afghan territory lies with Afghanistan.”
The minister stressed that Pakistan’s concerns were rooted in security and sovereignty, not hostility, and that Islamabad’s expectations from Kabul were aligned with international commitments.
Tarar further accused the Afghan Taliban government of failing to fulfill its international, regional and bilateral obligations, including those undertaken under the 2021 Doha peace agreement.
“So far, the Afghan Taliban have not honored their commitments under the 2021 Doha agreement,” Tarar said.
The minister said Pakistan’s engagement with the Taliban regime was guided by goodwill towards the Afghan people, but warned that Islamabad would not support any action by the Taliban government that would harm the interests of Afghan citizens or neighboring countries.
“Pakistan reiterates its goodwill towards the Afghan people and its desire for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” he said.
“However, Pakistan will not support any measures by the Taliban government that are contrary to the interests of the Afghan people or their neighbors.”
Reaffirming Islamabad’s resolve, Tarar said Pakistan would continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its people and sovereignty.
“Pakistan will continue to take all essential measures for the protection of its citizens and national sovereignty,” he said.
The Istanbul talks were part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease deteriorating relations between the two neighbors.
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to banned TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and exerting undue pressure.
Despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar, sources close to the negotiations said the atmosphere in Istanbul was tense and unproductive, with the Afghan side calling Pakistan’s demands “unrealistic” and politically motivated.
While the last round of negotiations ended in an impasse, the two countries appear no closer to resolving the security standoff, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
