Efforts to secure a long-term peace deal between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit a standstill in Istanbul, where three days of negotiations ended without a breakthrough, according to officials from both countries.
The talks were intended to build on a recently brokered ceasefire following the deadliest cross-border fighting since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Dozens were killed earlier this month as tensions escalated over the presence of armed groups along the frontier.
The central obstacle remains the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad says the group operates freely inside Afghanistan and poses a growing threat to its security.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV said Afghan negotiators “repeatedly agreed” to take concrete steps against the TTP but then changed their stance after receiving new guidance from Kabul.
An Afghan source familiar with the discussions told Reuters the session ended after “tense exchanges”. The source added that the Taliban government maintains it has no authority over the TTP.
Taliban-run channel RTA blamed Islamabad for the failure, stating Kabul “made every effort to hold constructive talks”, while accusing Pakistan of lacking genuine commitment to peace.
Read Also: Afghan Women Return To Global Stage With Emotional First Match
It was unclear late Tuesday whether the delegations would attempt another round.
Despite the disagreement, both sides say the ceasefire remains in place. Sporadic clashes continue however.
Pakistan’s military said on Sunday that five of its soldiers and twenty-five fighters described as “Fitna al-Khwarij” were killed in weekend skirmishes. The term is used by Islamabad for ideologically motivated militants believed to receive outside support.
The surge in violence has raised alarm among neighboring states who fear attempts by groups such as al-Qaeda to re-establish a foothold in the region.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 when U.S. and NATO forces withdrew. Since then, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering militants responsible for attacks across the border, a claim the Taliban denies.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Washington on Sunday, said he intends to resolve the crisis “very quickly”, though he did not provide details.
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, brought temporary calm but long-term stability still appears out of reach.