Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks in Istanbul End Without Progress

ISLAMABAD: The negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan held in Istanbul have ended in a deadlock, Information Minister Atta Tarar confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, the minister expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to Turkiye and Qatar for their mediation efforts during the talks, noting that both countries played a constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.

Atta Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance that the responsibility to curb cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil lies squarely with Afghanistan.

He said the Afghan Taliban have so far failed to fulfill their international, regional, and bilateral commitments made under the 2021 Doha Peace Agreement.

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“Pakistan continues to hold goodwill for the people of Afghanistan and sincerely desires peace, stability, and prosperity for them,” the minister added.

He, however, emphasized that Pakistan will not support any measures taken by the Afghan Taliban regime that undermine the interests of the Afghan people or neighboring countries.

“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens,” the information minister asserted.