Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Fail in Istanbul; Mediators Frustrated by Taliban Stance, Khawaja Asif

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks held in Istanbul have ended without any outcome. He stated that the Pakistani delegation has returned home and there is no possibility of a next round of negotiations.

Asif said that the mediating countries, including Turkey and Qatar, have withdrawn from the process due to the Taliban’s uncompromising behavior. “Our delegation returned empty-handed, which clearly shows that even the mediators have lost hope in the Afghan leadership,” he remarked.

He praised Turkey and Qatar for their sincere mediation efforts and for supporting Pakistan’s position, but noted that the Afghan side insisted only on verbal assurances while Pakistan demanded a written agreement, which the Taliban refused.

The defense minister warned that any aggression from Afghan soil would be met with a “strong and effective response,” but reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace as long as the ceasefire is respected.

According to reports, the third phase of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks began in Istanbul earlier this week but ended in deadlock without any agreement.