ISTANBUL – High-stakes security negotiations between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Pakistan have stretched into a third day in Istanbul, with both sides deadlocked over the critical issue of cross-border militancy and showing no signs of a tangible breakthrough.
The talks, which began over the weekend, are a direct continuation of a preliminary agreement reached in Doha last month, where a temporary and fragile ceasefire was established. The current dialogue is widely seen as a crucial test of the Taliban administration’s willingness and ability to honor its security commitments to its neighbors.
A Deep-Seated Dispute
The core of the impasse remains a fundamental disagreement over the presence and operations of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an ideological twin of the Afghan Taliban that Islamabad alleges uses Afghan soil as a safe haven to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
A Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the lack of progress on Monday. “Our delegation is patient and seeks constructive results that serve the interests of both nations,” Mujahid stated, while acknowledging that “disagreements over enforcement mechanisms” remain a persistent obstacle.
From the Pakistani perspective, patience is wearing thin. Pakistani officials have openly questioned the sincerity of the Taliban government, accusing it of inaction against TTP sanctuaries. “Islamabad has delivered its final position, making it clear that any tolerance or sheltering of militants targeting Pakistan is unacceptable,” a source close to the Pakistani delegation said. “We are urging Kabul to take decisive, verifiable steps to dismantle these networks.”
Historical Baggage and Regional Complexities
The current friction is rooted in decades of complex and often adversarial relations. During the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan, Pakistan was a key U.S. ally, while the Afghan Taliban were the insurgent enemy. Now, with the Taliban back in power in Kabul, Islamabad expects a reversal of roles, demanding the group sever its long-standing ties with the TTP—a demand that strikes at the heart of the Taliban’s Pashtun nationalist and Islamist identity.
Complicating the talks is the role of external powers. The venue in Turkey, a NATO member with growing influence in Central Asia, underscores the international community’s vested interest in stabilizing the region. China, a key partner to both Pakistan and the Taliban government, is also keenly observing the talks, as stability in Afghanistan is crucial for its multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) investments.
Potential Framework and Stakes for Stability
Despite the stalemate, diplomatic sources indicate that a joint communiqué is expected at the conclusion of the talks. The document is likely to outline a framework for de-escalation, including:
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A formal extension of the temporary ceasefire.
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The reopening of key trade and travel routes, which have been frequently closed due to security concerns.
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Humanitarian gestures, such as the reciprocal release of selected detainees.
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A schedule for future high-level meetings to maintain dialogue.
Regional observers warn that a prolonged deadlock carries significant risks. “Failure to find common ground will deepen mistrust and likely lead to an escalation of cross-border shelling and airstrikes,” said Ayesha Khan, a senior analyst for the South Asia Institute. “A successful outcome hinges not on promises, but on the establishment of a transparent, joint monitoring mechanism. This will require demonstrable action from Kabul and sustained, pragmatic engagement from Islamabad.”
As the talks enter their final stages, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome will have profound implications for the security of one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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