Peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have collapsed after failing to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism. The third round, held in Doha from October 29 to November 1, ended without a written commitment from Kabul to act against Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday that the negotiations had been suspended indefinitely. “There is a complete deadlock, and no plan for the fourth round,” he told Geo TV. He thanked Turkiye and Qatar for mediating but said the Afghan side refused to sign any written accord. “They wanted verbal assurances, which is not acceptable in international talks,” Asif stated.
He added that Pakistan’s stance remains firm — Afghanistan must prevent attacks launched from its soil. Asif warned that Pakistan would respond if provoked but will maintain the ceasefire if peace holds.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Afghan Taliban must honour their international and regional pledges to control terrorism. “Pakistan will always protect its citizens and sovereignty,” he said on X.
Despite mediation efforts, all three rounds of talks have failed to produce progress, deepening tensions between the two neighbours.
