Pakistan Afghan Taliban talks have resumed in Istanbul after Pakistan agreed to continue negotiations at the request of the host countries, despite an earlier round ending without progress.
Pakistan has agreed to continue dialogue with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul after mediation efforts by host nations, prompting the Pakistani delegation to extend its stay. Officials said the move aims to give diplomacy another chance, but emphasized that Islamabad’s primary demand remains unchanged — Afghan soil must not be used for cross-border terrorism against Pakistan.
Radio Pakistan confirmed on social media that renegotiations have begun.
The talks will center on Pakistan’s insistence that Afghanistan take “clear, verifiable and effective action” against militant groups involved in attacks inside Pakistan, particularly those operating along the border.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, who earlier described the Istanbul round as unsuccessful, said the Afghan side failed to provide practical assurances despite being presented with “logical and legitimate demands.”
He said Pakistan shared “indisputable evidence” of cross-border terrorism, which was acknowledged by mediators and the Afghan delegation, yet no concrete guarantees were offered.
“Despite acceptance of the evidence…no practical assurances were provided,” Mr. Tarrar said, accusing the Afghan representatives of delay tactics, blame-shifting, and avoiding the core agenda.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also warned that Pakistan would not tolerate violations of its territorial integrity.
“If the Taliban government violates our borders, we will respond,” he said, adding that Pakistan reserves the right to carry out strikes inside Afghanistan if attacks continue.
Mr Asif said mediators also recognized Kabul’s reluctance to offer concrete commitments.
Pakistan has repeatedly demanded implementation of the Doha Agreement and action against groups it accuses of operating from Afghan territory, including those it says are India-backed.
Despite the lack of assurances in the initial round, Pakistan agreed to stay and continue the dialogue following mediation efforts by host countries.
