The Taliban regime failed to act against terrorism and ignored its commitments during the third round of negotiations (FO)

Pakistan has criticized the Afghan Taliban regime for failing to act against terrorist groups launching cross-border attacks and ignoring commitments made during dialogue, warning that “empty promises and inaction” were undermining regional peace despite repeated diplomatic efforts.

In a statement issued on Sunday in response to media questions, the Foreign Ministry said the third round of The Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, held in Istanbul on November 7 under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, ended without progress, with the Taliban delegation “avoiding taking action on the ground”.

“Pakistan deeply appreciates the sincere efforts made by brotherly Turkey and Qatar to mediate the disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the central issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil,” the spokesperson said.

The statement said that since the Taliban regime took control of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has faced “a sharp increase in terrorist attacks emanating from Afghan soil”, mainly carried out by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates.

“Despite military and civilian losses, Pakistan exercised maximum restraint and did not retaliate,” the spokesperson said, adding that Islamabad expected the Taliban to curb TTP activities.

Pakistan said it had demonstrated goodwill towards Afghanistan through trade concessions, humanitarian aid and visa facilitation, but accused the Taliban regime of “empty promises and inaction”.

“Instead of acting in accordance with Pakistan’s basic expectations – not allowing Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan – the Taliban regime has always tried to avoid taking concrete and verifiable steps,” the statement said.

Islamabad argued that its limited cross-border military response in October 2025 was “a manifestation of Pakistan’s will and determination to spare no effort to protect its territory and people.”

“Anyone who hosts, encourages or finances [the TTP/FaK or BLA/FaH] is not considered a friend and sympathizer of Pakistan,” he warned.

The statement said Pakistan agreed to participate in the dialogue mediated by Turkey and Qatar to “give every possible chance for peace and diplomacy”. However, the Taliban regime took advantage of the talks to extend the ceasefire “without taking concrete and verifiable measures”.

“Instead of finding solutions to address Pakistan’s main concerns, the Afghan regime took the opportunity to malign Pakistan through hypothetical accusations and chauvinistic rhetoric. It prolonged discussions and engaged in futile arguments to block efforts to reach a concrete agreement,” he said.

The statement further added that the Taliban regime is “falsely portraying the issue of Pakistani terrorists hiding in Afghanistan as a humanitarian issue.”

“These terrorists and their families are now being sheltered by the Taliban regime as a reward for their allegiance,” he said, adding that Pakistan was willing to receive its nationals “on the condition that they are handed over to the border posts and not thrown across the border fully equipped with sophisticated weapons.”

Islamabad reiterated that it would not engage in dialogue with terrorist groups such as the TTP or BLA, but only with the government in Kabul.

The statement also said that some elements of the Taliban regime are “backed by foreign actors to stoke tensions” and are using “anti-Pakistan rhetoric to unite their divided government.”

“It is absolutely clear among the people of Pakistan that ordinary citizens of Pakistan are the biggest victims of terrorist activities carried out by hidden elements in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said. “The entire Pakistani nation is with its armed forces to safeguard the interests and lives of the people of Pakistan.”

Pakistan has urged the Taliban to end its “well-documented support” for terrorist groups operating against them and said the regime can “neither deny nor absolve itself” of responsibility for the rise in cross-border terrorism.

While reaffirming its preference for diplomacy, Islamabad warned that its patience was not limitless. “Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences through dialogue,” the statement concluded. “However, Pakistan’s main concern – terrorism from Afghanistan – must be addressed on priority. »

Make or break discussions

Last month’s violent clashes along the borders caused several casualties on both sides and prompted Pakistan to close key crossings. In recent weeks, Pakistani security forces have stepped up operations against terrorists, many of whom Islamabad says continue to operate from Afghan soil. Pakistan maintains that TTP leaders enjoy safe haven in Afghanistan and has repeatedly urged Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, in an informal briefing to journalists, warned that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and would “retaliate with full force”. “If Afghan soil is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the truce will be null and void,” he said, adding that Pakistan had shown restraint despite repeated provocations but would not tolerate further violations.

Learn more: Pakistan warns truce with Taliban will not hold if attacks persist

At least 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 110 TTP militants have been killed in recent border skirmishes, according to army estimates. Pakistani officials also say that a significant number of militants involved in attacks inside Pakistan were Afghan nationals.

Diplomatic sources said the Istanbul dialogue would focus on establishing a verifiable mechanism to prevent cross-border infiltration and share intelligence on militant movements. Pakistan will push for concrete action against the TTP and the dismantling of its training and logistics camps in Afghanistan.

The Afghan side should, for its part, express its concerns regarding Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees. Kabul maintains it does not support cross-border attacks and has urged Islamabad to address “internal security gaps” rather than blaming Afghanistan.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove to be a watershed moment. Failure to reach agreement on anti-terrorism measures could lead to increased militarization of borders, closure of crossing points and disruption of trade between the two countries.

A senior Pakistani official said The Express PK Press Club that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric”. He added: “Pakistan’s position is simple…Afghan soil must not be used for attacks against Pakistan. If this commitment is not honored, all options are on the table.”