Istanbul, Turkey – Afghanistan’s Taliban government has blamed Pakistan for the failure of recent mediated talks in Istanbul, which were hosted by Qatar and Turkey, citing Islamabad’s lack of actionable proposals. Despite the deadlock, the Taliban insists that a previously agreed ceasefire along the border remains in effect.

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Stalled Negotiations

The two-day talks aimed to resolve security tensions along the Afghan-Pakistan border, following a series of clashes that have killed Afghan civilians and wounded hundreds. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan showed a “non-cooperative attitude,” shifting responsibility for border security onto Afghanistan while failing to address its own obligations.

“During the talks, the Pakistani side attempted to refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government,” Mujahid said.

Pakistan also acknowledged that the talks reached a deadlock, with no tangible progress, while reaffirming the ceasefire brokered by Qatar. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that Islamabad “will not support any steps by the Taliban government that are not in the interest of the Afghan people or neighbouring countries.”

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Security Concerns

Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harbouring armed groups, particularly the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), which has carried out deadly attacks across its territory. In response, Pakistan has conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan. The Taliban denies sheltering TTP members and maintains it is committed to mutual border security.

Mujahid stressed:

“The Taliban will not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against another country, nor permit actions that undermine Afghanistan’s sovereignty.”

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Casualties and Tensions

According to the United Nations, border clashes since early October have killed 50 Afghan civilians and wounded 447, while explosions in Kabul have claimed at least five lives. Pakistan reports 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded, though it has not detailed civilian casualties.

Both countries have thanked Qatar and Turkey for mediation but continue to maintain strong stances on sovereignty and security, leaving the border dispute unresolved for now.