Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to resume stalled peace talks in Istanbul to “give peace another chance.” According to state media, both sides accepted the host countries’ request to continue discussions after earlier negotiations ended without results. The Pakistani delegation, which had been preparing to return home, will now extend its stay to push the dialogue forward. Officials said the move reflects Pakistan’s commitment to restoring trust and stability in the region.
The talks focus mainly on Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan prevent its soil from being used for terrorism. Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Taliban government to take verifiable and effective action against militant groups targeting Pakistan. Sources said Pakistan presented clear evidence of cross-border terrorism, which the Afghan delegation and host nations acknowledged. However, differences persist over how to implement counterterror measures and ensure accountability.
Read more: UN urges restraint after Pakistan–Afghanistan talks collapse in Istanbul
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the four-day discussions had ended without any breakthrough. He accused the Afghan delegation of using blame-shifting and delaying tactics instead of addressing Pakistan’s core concerns. Tarar said Pakistan entered the talks with sincerity but accused the Taliban government of supporting anti-Pakistan militants. He added that the Taliban’s failure to meet commitments under the Doha Agreement had damaged trust.
Tarar further criticised the Taliban for running a “war economy” and ignoring the welfare of Afghan citizens. He said their approach was dragging Afghanistan toward another devastating conflict. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that any terrorist attack inside Pakistan would draw a strong response. “Afghanistan will have to bear the consequences,” he said, underscoring Islamabad’s growing frustration.
Read more: Pakistan threatens to ‘obliterate’ Taliban after peace talks fail
Aaj News reported that the Afghan side changed its stance several times during the talks, slowing progress. The Taliban government has not yet issued an official statement on the negotiations. Pakistani officials, however, reaffirmed their resolve to continue counterterror operations against militants and their facilitators. The decision to revive the Istanbul talks marks another attempt to ease tensions and seek peace through diplomacy despite deep mistrust on both sides.