The delegation led by DG ISI returns to the country; Minister says Pak’s concerns center on security; Turkiye and Qatar praised
Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
High-stakes talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul on Friday ended without any progress, as the Pakistani delegation returned home.
State media confirmed citing sources that the Pakistani delegation led by ISI Director General Lieutenant General Asim Malik started from Istanbul.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed that the last round ended in a stalemate and there are no plans for new talks in the near future.
“The round ended without an agreement,” a security source confirmed, adding that the two sides held multiple sessions in recent days under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar.
Following the conclusion of the talks, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a statement reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance 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 of controlling terrorism emanating from Afghan territory lies with Afghanistan.”
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s concerns were rooted in security and sovereignty, not hostility, and that Islamabad’s expectations regarding Kabul were aligned with international commitments.
Tarar further accused the Afghan Taliban government of failing to meet its international, regional and bilateral obligations, including those undertaken under the 2021 Doha Peace Agreement.
“So far, the Afghan Taliban has not fulfilled its 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 harms 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 action by the Taliban government that goes against the interests of the Afghan people or its 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 worsening relations between the two neighbors.
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to banned TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and imposing undue pressure.
Despite mediation by Turkiye and Qatar, sources familiar with the talks said the atmosphere in Istanbul was tense and unproductive, with the Afghan side calling Pakistan’s demands “unrealistic” and politically motivated.
With the latest round ending in a stalemate, both countries appear no closer to resolving the security standoff, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
