Peace Talks Stall Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Border Tensions
Istanbul, Turkey – Efforts to broker peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit a snag, as both nations point fingers over recent border clashes. The talks, held in Istanbul, aimed to strengthen a ceasefire previously negotiated with the help of Qatar.
Pakistani officials expressed disappointment, stating that the Afghan Taliban has not kept promises made to the international community regarding the control of terrorism, as outlined in the 2021 Doha agreement. A Pakistani government spokesperson affirmed that while Pakistan desires peace and stability for Afghanistan, it will prioritize the protection of its own citizens and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Afghan officials acknowledged the lack of progress in the discussions, citing disagreements over security responsibilities. They reiterated their commitment to preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against other countries and vowed to defend their land against any aggression.
The recent tensions follow a rise in militant attacks within Pakistan, many of which have been claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group with close ties to the Afghan Taliban. Concerns remain that the presence of TTP leaders and fighters in Afghanistan is adding strain to the relationship between the two countries.
While both sides express gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for their mediation efforts, the path forward remains uncertain. Pakistan insists it will act in its own best interest.
