Pakistan's efforts to broker peace talks with the Taliban government in Kabul have hit a roadblock after four days of negotiations in Istanbul. The Pakistani Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, accused the Afghan government of refusing to take decisive action against militants blamed for deadly cross-border attacks.
The talks were mediated by Qatar and Turkey, following an earlier round in Doha that produced a ceasefire on October 19. However, Pakistan claims that the Taliban has been unwilling to accept its demands for assurances that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan.
Tarar also criticized the Taliban's strategy at the talks, saying it was focused on shifting attention to other bilateral issues rather than providing clear commitments to act against militants based in Afghanistan. This stance has raised concerns among Pakistani officials, who say their country is struggling to cope with a surge in militant attacks blamed on the Pakistani Taliban.
The situation has led to a stalemate, with both sides accusing each other of not meeting their demands. Pakistan's patience appears to have worn thin, and Tarar warned that Islamabad would take all necessary measures to protect its people from terrorism.
The latest development comes as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul remain high, with the two countries having imposed strict border controls in recent weeks. The situation has had a significant impact on trade, with trucks carrying goods stranded at the borders for over two weeks.
As the diplomatic crisis continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Pakistan and Afghanistan will navigate their differences and find a peaceful resolution to their disputes. With Qatar and Turkey continuing to mediate the talks, there is still hope that a breakthrough can be achieved in the coming days.
The talks were mediated by Qatar and Turkey, following an earlier round in Doha that produced a ceasefire on October 19. However, Pakistan claims that the Taliban has been unwilling to accept its demands for assurances that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan.
Tarar also criticized the Taliban's strategy at the talks, saying it was focused on shifting attention to other bilateral issues rather than providing clear commitments to act against militants based in Afghanistan. This stance has raised concerns among Pakistani officials, who say their country is struggling to cope with a surge in militant attacks blamed on the Pakistani Taliban.
The situation has led to a stalemate, with both sides accusing each other of not meeting their demands. Pakistan's patience appears to have worn thin, and Tarar warned that Islamabad would take all necessary measures to protect its people from terrorism.
The latest development comes as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul remain high, with the two countries having imposed strict border controls in recent weeks. The situation has had a significant impact on trade, with trucks carrying goods stranded at the borders for over two weeks.
As the diplomatic crisis continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Pakistan and Afghanistan will navigate their differences and find a peaceful resolution to their disputes. With Qatar and Turkey continuing to mediate the talks, there is still hope that a breakthrough can be achieved in the coming days.
been putting it off for ages... anyway, have you ever noticed how cars are like relationships? They start off all shiny and new, but after a while, they just kinda sit there looking old and worn out 
. Like, Pakistan's talks with the Taliban are going on forever and it's starting to feel like they're just stuck in neutral 
. And don't even get me started on the trucks at the border – I'm pretty sure I saw a truck stuck there for like, 3 months last time I drove through 
. Back to my car... gotta make an appointment ASAP 
.
. I get that Pakistan wants some guarantees about militants on Afghan soil, but at the same time, the Taliban is getting all defensive about their strategy...it just feels like a big mess. And what's with the border controls? That's just gonna hurt trade and everyday people who aren't even involved in any of this drama 
. I'm not sure how Qatar and Turkey are gonna help here, but they've been trying for years, so maybe it'll work out in the end? Maybe
the qatar turkey team should really get to the bottom of things and find out what's going on behind closed doors 
maybe some kind of trust issue or something? idk, but it's def not looking good right now 
. I mean, can we just get some real solutions here? It's been over a month since those deadly attacks happened and nothing's really changed 
. And what about all the rhetoric from both sides? When are they gonna stop talking and start doing something concrete? 
I'm so worried about the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan right now... it's like they're stuck in this never-ending cycle of tension & fear 
But you know what really gets me? It's how the talks were supposed to be about finding a way forward, not just about who's "winning" or "losing". 
I mean, can't we all just try to understand each other's perspectives for once? 
Maybe it's time for them to take a step back, breathe, and remember that there are people on both sides who want peace & security 
Let's keep our fingers crossed that Qatar & Turkey can help facilitate a breakthrough soon! 
. Like, what's going on? Can't they just agree on something for once? Pakistan's all like "Hey Taliban, we want you to promise not to use Afghan soil" and the Taliban's all like "Nope, that's not cool". And then Pakistan's all mad about it, saying they're gonna do whatever it takes to protect themselves. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's just standing there, doing nothing 
. It's like, can't we just get along? I mean, I know the situation with terrorism is super serious and all that, but come on guys, can't you find a way to compromise? 
. I MEAN, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE?! 
.
Pakistan's peace talks with Taliban have hit a roadblock 
. It's like they're driving on a bumpy road 
, and it's affecting trade and daily lives 
. But don't worry 
.
. It's not easy 
. Fingers crossed 
This stalemate is having serious consequences on trade and everyday life - I'm all for taking care of security, but not at the cost of stability and normalcy 