By Sohail Iqbal
ISLAMABAD; A last-ditch effort is underway to rescue the faltering peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, despite what security officials described as Kabul’s “stubbornness.”
Official sources confirmed Tuesday that negotiations in Istanbul, now entering their final phase, have faced significant hurdles over verifiable action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The second round of talks began on Saturday in Istanbul following the Doha negotiations on October 18–19, jointly mediated by Qatar and Turkiye. Those discussions had resulted in a permanent ceasefire after several days of intense cross-border clashes.
Security officials revealed that Monday’s session lasted 18 hours, during which the Afghan delegation initially agreed to Pakistan’s demand for decisive action against the TTP.
However, their stance repeatedly changed following instructions from Kabul. “Illogical and illegal advice from Kabul has been the main reason for the deadlock,” one official stated.
Despite this, mediators from Turkiye and Qatar remain optimistic. “Even without a breakthrough, the fact that both sides have stayed engaged for three days is encouraging,” said one mediator, emphasizing that neither Islamabad nor Kabul wants the process to collapse.
Officials from Pakistan stressed that continued Taliban patronage of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory is unacceptable. While Pakistan’s position has been termed “logical and legitimate” by the mediators, the Afghan delegation’s reluctance to put anything in writing has prevented a formal agreement.
Both countries had earlier agreed to a ceasefire in Doha and to reconvene in Istanbul to establish mechanisms for long-term stability. However, disagreements over the implementation of counterterrorism measures have persisted.
The talks come amid heightened tensions along the border, following an unprovoked attack by TTP and Taliban fighters on October 12. Pakistan responded forcefully, killing over 200 militants in a self-defensive operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred in the clashes.
Security forces also conducted precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, Kabul, and bordering regions of Waziristan, targeting multiple militant strongholds.
While the peace process remains uncertain, both sides have expressed the desire to prevent further escalation and maintain dialogue toward lasting peace.
