Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the recent Pakistan–Afghan Taliban negotiations in Istanbul have so far produced no breakthrough or meaningful progress that could justify optimism.
Speaking to a national news channel, the minister said that despite multiple rounds of talks, “no such development has taken place from which we could attach greater hopes.”
Asif confirmed that Qatar’s defence minister and Turkey’s intelligence chief were actively mediating between the two sides in an effort to prevent the dialogue process from collapsing. “The Turkish and Qatari sides are trying their best to ensure that talks do not stall,” he said.
According to Asif, the Pakistani delegation had even prepared to return home when Ankara and Doha requested an extension to allow another round of mediation. “Our delegation was at the airport for departure when we were asked by our friendly countries to give them one more chance. They said they would talk to the Kabul delegation and try to find a way forward,” he said.
He added that, while the talks have not resumed formally, the Pakistani team remains in Istanbul at the insistence of the mediators. “If Kabul changes its attitude under the advice of our friends and stops supporting terrorists, that would be an important step,” Asif remarked.
The minister further stated that the basis of all discussions is peace, and if peace and trust cannot be restored, progress on trade or any other front will remain impossible. “If they continue to act as a proxy for India or support the TTP at India’s behest, nothing can work,” he said, warning that any attempt to destabilise Pakistan’s peace “will be dealt with accordingly.”
India is Backing Afghan Regime
Earlier, in an interview with a foreign media outlet, Khawaja Asif alleged that India is backing the Afghan regime and using Afghan territory for anti-Pakistan activities, saying that New Delhi maintains deep links with elements of the Afghan Taliban acting as its proxies.
He said recent border clashes, which coincided with a senior Afghan minister’s visit to India, cost several Pakistani soldiers their lives. The minister reaffirmed that Pakistan has responded decisively and will continue to take a “robust and proportionate” stance against any future aggression, stressing that while Pakistan seeks peace, it “possesses full capability to respond effectively” to all threats.
Talks Deadlocked but Likely to Resume
The Istanbul talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, were derailed after four days of deadlock, reportedly due to the Afghan Taliban’s rigidity and Indian influence, leaving Pakistan with no choice but to warn Kabul of zero tolerance toward terrorism and “complete destruction” of militant sanctuaries if hostilities continue.
Both sides, however, are expected to re-engage soon under Turkey’s initiative — marking the third round of peace talks, following the earlier meetings in Doha and the recent round in Istanbul.
