Pakistan–Afghan Taliban Talks Conclude in Türkiye

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban held talks in Istanbul on November 6, with the third round of discussions concluding in Türkiye on November 7.

In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan participated in the dialogue in response to the “sincere diplomatic facilitation” extended by Türkiye and Qatar. The spokesperson commended both countries for their constructive role in fostering dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.

The spokesperson said that over the past four years, terrorist attacks in Pakistan originating from Afghan soil had increased significantly. “Pakistan has shown utmost restraint and patience during this period,” the statement read.

He noted that Pakistan had extended trade concessions and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, expecting the Taliban administration to act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist outfits. “Unfortunately, despite repeated assurances, the Afghan authorities have taken no verifiable action,” the spokesperson added.

“Instead of addressing the core issue of terrorism, the Taliban government has tried to divert attention and made provocative statements,” the spokesperson said. “Pakistan, however, remains resolute in taking all possible measures to safeguard its people and territory.”

Read More: Afghan man, three facilitators arrested in fake identity case

He declared that the TTP, Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) were enemies of the State of Pakistan. “Anyone who shelters or supports these terrorists cannot be considered a friend of Pakistan,” he warned.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace and diplomacy. “Use of force is always the last resort,” he said.

Providing details of the recent rounds of dialogue, the spokesperson said that during the first meeting in Doha, both sides had agreed on the principles of cooperation, following which Pakistan expressed readiness for a temporary ceasefire under that understanding. The second round, he added, was meant to finalize implementation mechanisms.

“However, the Afghan side avoided practical steps and continued issuing inflammatory statements,” he said. “Pakistan consistently maintained its core demand — verifiable action against all terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.”

According to the Foreign Office, the Taliban government wished to maintain a ceasefire without undertaking any counterterrorism measures. “This approach was unacceptable to Pakistan,” the statement clarified.

“The Taliban administration is providing shelter to Pakistani terrorists operating training camps inside Afghanistan,” the spokesperson asserted, adding that Islamabad had formally demanded the handover of these individuals. “The problem is not of capacity, but of intent,” he emphasized.

He said that certain elements within the Taliban government, supported by external actors, were pursuing an anti-Pakistan agenda and spreading baseless propaganda against Islamabad.

“The Taliban authorities have tried to portray these terrorists as refugees — this is not a humanitarian issue, but a tactic to shield them,” the spokesperson stressed. “Pakistan is ready to receive every Pakistani national, provided they are handed over through proper channels.”

He reiterated that Pakistan would not hold direct talks with any terrorist group.

“Pakistan’s Pashtun citizens are integral to the State, serving with distinction in key national positions,” he said, rejecting attempts by Afghan officials to stoke ethnic divisions.

“The people and armed forces of Pakistan stand united against terrorism,” the spokesperson said. “Our forces have rendered immense sacrifices alongside the nation to restore peace.”

He concluded that Pakistan remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate terrorism and continues to prefer diplomatic engagement for peaceful resolution of issues. “Elimination of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil remains Pakistan’s top priority,” he affirmed.