The ongoing negotiations between delegations from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul have so far yielded no substantial progress, despite over 30 hours of intensive discussions held across two sessions. According to sources, Pakistan maintained a firm stance, deciding not to show any flexibility in matters related to the militant group “Fitna al-Khawarij” and cross-border terrorism.
Sources confirmed that the Pakistani delegation presented documentary evidence demonstrating the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Islamabad also reiterated its final and uncompromising position during the latest round of talks.
A third session of negotiations is expected to take place later today under the same mediation framework, which includes Turkey and Qatar. Earlier, security officials had stated that Pakistan categorically rejected any form of support or safe haven provided by the Afghan Taliban to terrorist groups, emphasizing that only concrete, verifiable, and sustained counterterrorism measures could restore mutual trust and regional stability.
The Pakistani delegation further expressed concern that the Taliban’s arguments were illogical and detached from ground realities, indicating that Kabul might be pursuing an agenda that runs contrary to the peace and stability of both Afghanistan and Pakistan and the broader regional interest. Officials stressed that the future course of these talks depends entirely on the Taliban’s constructive engagement and willingness to act decisively against terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.
