The latest round of negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul has come to a standstill — and at the heart of the deadlock lies the issue of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Pakistani officials, Islamabad presented a firm ultimatum, demanding decisive action against TTP militants based in Afghanistan. Pakistan insists the Taliban must dismantle TTP networks and expel their fighters from Afghan soil.
However, sources close to the talks say the Taliban delegation resisted these demands, offering “unconvincing and detached” arguments. Their unwillingness to break ties with TTP has effectively frozen progress in the dialogue.
Islamabad is also alarmed by reports that some Taliban members have joined TTP ranks, deepening Pakistan’s security concerns and further straining bilateral trust.
Analysts believe the Taliban’s approach highlights a growing contradiction — ruling Afghanistan while engaging in confrontations with their own citizens, the international community, and now Pakistan, their former ally.
Meanwhile, ordinary Afghans are weary of endless conflict. They seek peace, education, and dignity — not another war driven by extremist ambitions or regional tensions.
