Four days of critical talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have concluded without any agreement, a significant setback for regional stability. Reports indicate the Pakistani delegation departed from the negotiations due to irreconcilable differences over key demands, leaving the discussions at a standstill.
These high-stakes discussions followed a recent temporary ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, which was itself a response to alleged Pakistani airspace violations earlier this month. Islamabad’s actions had prompted a retaliatory response from Kabul, escalating existing tensions.
Afghanistan’s delegation firmly reiterated its pledge not to allow Afghan soil to be used for hostile acts against Pakistan. However, they also presented firm demands: an immediate cessation of Pakistani airspace violations and an end to U.S. drone operations within Afghan borders. Pakistan, according to sources, rejected these conditions outright.
Adding to the diplomatic deadlock, Pakistan reportedly pressed Afghanistan to officially designate the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist group and to undertake military action against them. This demand was met with rejection by Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, who suggested that terrorism labels are sometimes used for political leverage against adversaries.
Prior to the Istanbul summit, Pakistan’s Defense Minister had signaled a potential shift towards military action if diplomatic efforts proved fruitless. Conversely, Afghanistan maintained its commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful, diplomatic channels, highlighting the divergent approaches of the two nations.