Taliban regime failed to act against terrorism and ignored commitments during third round of talks: FO

Pakistan criticized Afghanistan’s 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 in response to media queries on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the third round of Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul on November 7 and mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, ended without progress as the Taliban delegation “avoided taking action on the ground.”

“Pakistan deeply appreciates the sincere efforts made by the Turkiye brothers and Qatar to mediate the differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the core 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 had faced “a sharp increase in terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil”, mainly by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates.

“Despite suffering military and civilian casualties, Pakistan exercised maximum restraint and did not retaliate,” the spokesperson said, adding that Islamabad hoped the Taliban would curb TTP activities.

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

“Instead of acting on Pakistan’s core expectation (not allowing Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan), the Taliban regime has always tried to avoid taking concrete and verifiable actions,” the statement said.

Islamabad maintained that its limited cross-border military response in October 2025 was “a manifestation of the will and determination that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to safeguard its territory and people.”

“Any person who harbors, instigates or finances [the TTP/FaK or BLA/FaH] “He is not considered a friend or sympathizer of Pakistan,” he warned.

The statement said Pakistan agreed to participate in the dialogue brokered by Turkiye and Qatar to “give peace and diplomacy every possible opportunity.” However, the Taliban regime used the talks to prolong the ceasefire “without taking concrete and verifiable actions.”

“Instead of finding solutions to address Pakistan’s main concern, the Afghan regime took the opportunity to defame Pakistan through hypothetical accusations and jingoistic rhetoric. It prolonged discussions and engaged in useless arguments to hinder efforts to reach a concrete understanding,” he said.

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

“These terrorists and their families are now being harbored by the Taliban regime as revenge for their loyalty,” he said, adding that Pakistan was willing to receive its nationals “as long as they are handed over at the border crossings, not dumped across the border fully equipped with sophisticated weapons.”

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

The statement also said that some elements within the Taliban regime were “supported by foreign actors to stoke tensions” and were using “anti-Pakistan rhetoric to unite their fractured government.”

“There is absolute clarity among the people of Pakistan that the common people of Pakistan are the biggest victims of terrorist activities by elements hiding in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said. “The entire Pakistani nation stands with its Armed Forces to safeguard the interests and lives of the people of Pakistan.”

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

Islamabad, while reaffirming its preference for diplomacy, warned that its patience is not unlimited. “Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences through dialogue,” the statement concluded. “However, Pakistan’s main concern – terrorism emanating from Afghanistan – needs to be addressed first and foremost.”

Make or break conversations

Last month’s intense clashes along the borders left 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 havens inside Afghanistan and has repeatedly urged Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), warned in an informal briefing to journalists that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a violation of the ceasefire and “would be responded to with full force.” “If the soil of Afghanistan is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the truce will be null and void,” he said, adding that Pakistan had exercised restraint despite repeated provocations but would no longer tolerate violations.

Read more: Pakistan warns that truce with Taliban will not hold if attacks continue

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

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

Meanwhile, the Afghan side is expected to express concern over Pakistan’s airstrikes inside 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 failures” rather than blaming Afghanistan.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove a watershed moment. Failure to reach an agreement on counter-terrorism measures could lead to further militarization of borders, closure of crossings and disruption of trade between the two countries.

A senior Pakistani official said The express PAkGazette that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric.” He added: “Pakistan’s position is simple… Afghan soil should not be used for attacks against Pakistan. If that commitment is not respected, all options are on the table.”