The latest round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan held in Istanbul ended in a deadlock, despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar, Information Minister Atta Tarar confirmed on Friday.
In an official statement following the discussions, the minister said that Pakistan expressed gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for facilitating dialogue aimed at easing tensions and addressing cross-border security concerns.
“Pakistan thanked Turkey and Qatar for mediating in the talks,” Information Minister Atta Tarar said, adding that the talks concluded without progress on key security issues.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Tarar said the responsibility for controlling terrorism originating from Afghan soil lies squarely with the Afghan authorities.
“Pakistan stands by its principled stance that the responsibility for controlling terrorism originating from Afghan soil lies with Afghanistan,” Tarar emphasized.
The minister expressed concern that the Afghan Taliban government has not fulfilled its international, regional and bilateral commitments made under the Doha Peace Agreement of 2021, particularly in preventing terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan’s borders.
“The Afghan Taliban has so far failed to fulfill its international, regional and bilateral commitments as per the Doha Peace Agreement 2021,” Tarar said.
Despite the current impasse, Pakistan reiterated its goodwill toward the Afghan people and its desire for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.
“Pakistan reiterates that it has goodwill towards the Afghan people and wishes for a peaceful future for them,” the Information Minister stated.
He clarified, however, that Pakistan will not support any actions by the Taliban government that undermine the interests of the Afghan people or threaten regional stability.
“Pakistan will not support any steps by the Taliban government that are not in the interest of the Afghan people or neighboring countries,” he added.
Atta Tarar stressed that Pakistan would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its people and territorial sovereignty, particularly in response to any cross-border terrorist threats.
“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its people and sovereignty,” he affirmed. The Istanbul talks come amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors, as Islamabad continues to raise concerns over militant groups using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan.
While the discussions ended without a breakthrough, diplomatic sources said both sides agreed to maintain communication channels open in the hopes of achieving progress through continued engagement.