The latest round of Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks in Istanbul has collapsed without agreement, deepening mistrust between the two neighbours and highlighting Islamabad’s duplicity in addressing cross-border tensions. The two-day dialogue (November 6–7), mediated by Turkey and Qatar, ended with the Taliban accusing Pakistan of evasion and blame-shifting.
In a strongly worded statement released on November 8, Islamic Emirate spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid thanked Ankara and Doha for their mediation but condemned Pakistan’s “irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude.” The Taliban said Pakistan sought to transfer all security responsibilities to Afghanistan while refusing to accept accountability for its own internal instability. Kabul’s delegation, attending the talks “in good faith,” expressed frustration that Islamabad had “once again obstructed progress” and failed to demonstrate sincerity in resolving disputes.
Reaffirming its “principled position,” the Taliban declared that Afghan soil would not be used against any country and warned that any aggression against Afghanistan would be met with a “firm response.” It reiterated that defending the nation’s sovereignty was both an “Islamic and national duty.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the third round of talks had “reached an uncertain stage with no results” and that no plans existed for further negotiations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes and Borders, Noorullah Noori, cautioned Islamabad “not to test the patience of Afghans,” warning that if war erupted, “both elders and youth will rise to fight.”
Mujahid also blamed elements within the Pakistani military for sabotaging earlier peace efforts with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), alleging they opposed a stable and sovereign Afghan state. With the ceasefire along the border holding tenuously, Kabul fears fresh Pakistani drone strikes could target Afghan civilians—threatening to push the fragile relationship toward confrontation once again.
