Opinion

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Drift from the National Action Plan Deepens the Terror Challenge

Opinion /

(Shamim Shahid)    In December 2014, after the tragic Army Public School attack in Peshawar that shook the nation’s conscience, Pakistan’s leadership agreed on a National Action Plan (NAP) to counter terrorism and extremism. The plan, consisting of 20 points, became a national consensus to restore the writ of the state and eliminate militant sanctuaries. […]

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Trust, Not Tactics, Will Define the Future of Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations

Opinion /

The recent round of Pakistan, Afghanistan negotiations in Turkey marks another chapter in a long and complicated relationship between two uneasy neighbours. While the talks were presented as a step toward de-escalation, the reality beneath the diplomatic smiles remains far more fragile. The key question before both sides is not merely about logistics or ceasefire

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Why Peace Remains Elusive Between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban?

Opinion /

(Shamim Shahid)  The failure of yet another round of discussions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul has once again highlighted the deep-rooted mistrust and conflicting priorities that continue to define relations between the two neighbours. Despite the efforts of mediating countries including Turkey, Qatar, Iran, and China, both sides remain entrenched in their

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Kabul, Afghan Taliban, Istanbul Talks, Pakistan Afghanistan Tensions, Afghan Safe Havens

Talibanisation as State Policy: Kabul’s New Tool to Blackmail Neighbours

Opinion /

Talks held in Doha collapsed before the failure of the Istanbul talks between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban-led Kabul administration, because Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif openly stated that the Afghan Taliban were unwilling to discuss the issues raised in Doha, and instead kept diverting the conversation. Regarding the Istanbul talks, Pakistan appears to have

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Pakistan’s Evidence vs Afghan Taliban’s Denial: Why the Peace Talks Keep Failing?

Opinion /

The talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban began on October 25 and are now in their fourth day. These discussions should have reached a mutually agreed conclusion by now, but they continue without any concrete result. The question arises: why did the talks have to be held in Qatar first, then in Turkey, instead

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Taliban, Istanbul Talks, Pakistan's War on Terror, Afghan Soil, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan

Pak-Taliban Blame Game Over Failed Talks؛ Yet One Side Stands on Solid Ground

Opinion /

Pakistan and the Taliban have blamed each other for the failure of three days of talks in Istanbul that were meant to secure a long-term ceasefire and reduce cross-border tensions. Taliban-run national television reported on Tuesday that “certain circles within the Pakistani army” were obstructing the negotiations. The broadcaster, quoting Taliban officials, claimed that the

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How Kabul’s Defiance Turned the Istanbul Talks into Another Diplomatic Dead End

Opinion /

( Irfan Khan )  The recent Istanbul negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have once again reached a dead end largely due to the obstinacy of the Afghan government. This diplomatic impasse not only underscores Kabul’s unwillingness to cooperate on vital security matters but also raises serious concerns about the future of regional peace and Pakistan-Afghanistan

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Istanbul Talks: Between Hope and Deadlock in Pak-Afghan Relations

Opinion /

(Shamim Shahid)  The Istanbul talks, currently underway between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mark the second and perhaps the most crucial phase of negotiations between the two uneasy neighbours. Convened on October 25, the three-day dialogue was expected to bring clarity on bilateral security concerns and the resurgence of cross-border militancy. Yet, despite the presence of high-level

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The Deadlock in Tirah: How KP’s Politics Is Undermining the War for Peace

Opinion /

Irfan Khan  The recent jirgas in Tirah Valley and the failed rounds of dialogue with the Taliban mark a decisive moment in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Despite repeated attempts at negotiation, the state’s patience has worn thin. Security officials have now delivered a clear, uncompromising message: “Work with us, hand over the militants, leave the area,

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