Patronage of cross-border terrorism unacceptable: Pakistan tells Afghan Taliban negotiators

The second day of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime has begun in Istanbul on Sunday after Pakistan's counter-proposal on the comprehensive draft agreement, diplomatic sources told 24NewsHDTV Channel. 

The negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government are being held in Istanbul in the presence of mediators.

During talks, Pakistani delegation has presented its final position to the Afghan Taliban delegation. Security sources said Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan Taliban's patronage of terrorists was unacceptable. 

Pakistani delegation has also made it clear that concrete and definite steps will have to be taken to eliminate cross-border terrorism. 

On the contrary, the Taliban's arguments were illogical and out of context without ground realities. Security sources said it seemed that the Taliban were following another agenda which is not in the interest of stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region. 

The security sources said further progress in talks depends on positive attitude of Afghan Taliban. 

Earlier on Saturday during first day of second round of talks, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban officials held talks for more than nine hours.

The discussions, which had started at 2:30 pm continued through a working dinner, were hosted by Turkey and centered on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil.

According to diplomatic sources, the Afghan Taliban delegation proposed relocating TTP militants to a new area within Afghanistan as a possible step toward easing tensions with Pakistan. However, Islamabad rejected the offer, maintaining its position that the Afghan Taliban must take “decisive action” against the group rather than relocate it.

Pakistan’s delegation reportedly reiterated that the Afghan authorities must honor their commitments to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism and fulfill the promises made to the international community under earlier agreements.

The talks, described as “frank and focused,” come amid renewed cross-border tensions and a surge in attacks inside Pakistan linked to TTP elements.

Diplomatic observers say the Istanbul talks reflect ongoing international efforts to bridge differences and strengthen regional cooperation against militancy. Further consultations between Islamabad and Kabul are expected in the coming weeks as both sides continue to seek mechanisms to address security and border management challenges.

Talks are expected to continue for three days

Both sides will hold further discussions on forming a robust mechanism to combat terrorism.

Besides that, the proposals given by Pakistan to stop the infiltration of militants from Afghanistan would also come under discussion.

On the other hand, hundreds of vehicles are stranded at border crossings at Torkham, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, Ghulam Khan, Chaman, south and north Waziristan and district Kurram for the last 15 days due to the closure of these routes.

The last round of talks had been held in Doha, Qatar following which both countries had agreed on a ceasefire.