Peace talks in Istanbul between Pakistan and Taliban fail, ceasefire remains in effect

Peace talks in Istanbul between Pakistan and the hardline Taliban Islamist rulers of Afghanistan have ended without an agreement, but the ceasefire between the two neighboring states will remain in effect.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid blamed Pakistan for the collapse of the talks, saying Islamabad's delegation had "irresponsible behavior and lacked cooperation."

Through a post on X, Mujahid accused Pakistan of "showing no willingness to take any responsibility for Afghanistan's security, or even its own."

He added that the ceasefire "has not been violated by us so far and it will continue to be respected."

Several rounds of talks brokered by Turkey and Qatar have been held in Istanbul since last month. The latest round was held on November 6-7 and was led by Abdul Haq Wasiq, the Taliban's intelligence chief, and Lieutenant General Asim Malik, the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.

Earlier, Pakistani officials, including Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, said the talks in Istanbul had failed, adding that there were no plans for further negotiations.

Asif warned that if Afghan territory is used to attack Pakistan, the ceasefire will end.

He had previously warned that failure to reach an agreement would lead to "open war."

The latest round of talks in Istanbul faced problems from the start. For example, when the talks began, there was an exchange of fire on November 6 in Spin Boldak between Taliban soldiers and Pakistani forces.

Although both sides accused each other of starting the fire, according to local reports, civilians suffered heavily during the incident. At least five civilians, including four women, were killed and six others were injured.

Meanwhile, at least 50 Afghan civilians were killed and 450 others injured during clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban in October. The fighting stopped after mediation by Turkey and Qatar and the sides reached a ceasefire.

Pakistan has also confirmed that at least 23 of its soldiers were killed and 29 others were injured during the clashes.

The violence followed explosions in Kabul on November 9, which Taliban authorities blamed on Pakistan.

Once close allies who share a 2,600-kilometer border, the two sides have soured relations after Islamabad's allegations that Afghanistan harbors militant groups, including the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan alleges that Taliban authorities are allowing the TTP to use Afghan territory for training and as a logistics hub for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government denies these allegations./ REL

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