Pakistan demands ‘concrete and verifiable measures’ from Kabul to eliminate cross-border terrorism during Istanbul talks
Afghan Taliban patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, on October 15. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan presented its final position to the Afghan Taliban regime during the second round of talks, firmly rejecting what it called its continued sponsorship of cross-border attacks and terrorism, calling such activities “unacceptable”, security sources said.
The ongoing negotiations, brokered by Turkiye and Qatar, aim to avoid a relapse in the conflict following clashes between the two countries’ border forces earlier this month, the worst since the Taliban’s takeover 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 cannot be tolerated. Islamabad, they said, demanded “concrete and verifiable measures” from Kabul to eliminate cross-border terrorism.
Read: 25 terrorists killed as forces thwart infiltration on Afghan border, five soldiers martyred: ISPR
“On the contrary, the arguments presented by the Taliban are illogical and contrary to the reality on the ground,” said a security source. “It appears that the Taliban are following someone else’s agenda, which is not in the interests of stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan or the region in general.”
The officials added that further progress in the talks will depend on a positive and constructive attitude on the part of the Afghan Taliban. Although a final result has not yet been known, sources indicated that the Taliban remains 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.
Officials further noted that the Taliban, as non-state actors, 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.
Read more: Pakistan presents anti-terror plan to Afghanistan at Istanbul talks
“The Pakistani delegation joined the talks with complete clarity, presenting fundamental issues with solid evidence and refusing to allow the discussions to deviate,” a security source said. “Pakistan maintained its stance that it will not engage in dialogue with Fitna al-Khwarij and that the Afghan Taliban must withdraw its support from the leaders of all its representatives.”
The officials also highlighted that the Taliban’s refusal to act on Pakistan’s demand (which has been backed by Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) indicates that its current course is taking priority over the consensus of international interlocutors. Sources suggested that this agenda may be influenced by India, which is reportedly trying to reestablish its presence in Afghanistan.
Security officials have warned that a prolonged stalemate could force Pakistan to take unilateral action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a move that could carry significant costs for both countries. “Afghanistan would also face major consequences, for which the Taliban would be responsible,” a source warned.
Officials emphasized that it would be in the interest of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as regional stability, for the Taliban to take a hands-on, cooperative approach and act decisively against proxy groups operating from Afghan territory.
Doha talks
The Istanbul talks follow Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing on an immediate ceasefire during the Doha talks, after a week of intense border clashes, the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
The ceasefire “has been finalized,” Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted on X last Sunday, saying both sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed matters.”
The Pakistani delegation, led by Khawaja Asif, includes other senior officials. On the Afghan side, the talks were led by the acting Minister of Defense, Mullah Yaqoob, accompanied by other representatives.
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Pakistani officials raised the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, singling out groups such as the Gul Bahadur faction and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in particular. Islamabad maintains that these groups have been involved in multiple deadly incidents inside Pakistan in recent months.
Sources familiar with the talks said Pakistan put forward a “single-point agenda” focused on eliminating terrorist networks. “Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan government must root out terrorist organizations and their hideouts,” the sources said.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties agreed to a comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire.
Tensions rose after unprovoked shooting by the Afghan Taliban regime
Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalated on October 12, when clashes broke out after the Afghan Taliban regime opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response from the Pakistan Army, which destroyed several Afghan posts and killed dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants.
The coordinated attack originated from several key sectors including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baramcha in Balochistan. The firing, security sources said, was aimed at facilitating the illegal entry of Khwarij (the state-designated term for the banned TTP) into Pakistani territory.
“Pakistan army responded immediately and decisively,” security sources said. “The counteroffensive effectively attacked and destroyed multiple Afghan posts on the border. Dozens of Afghan and Khwarij soldiers were killed in retaliatory fire.”
