The latest Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks in Istanbul have collapsed, deepening distrust between Kabul and Islamabad. Despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar, the two sides failed to find common ground.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan delegates joined the talks on November 6 and 7 “in good faith and with full authority.” They expected Pakistan to act seriously, but Islamabad instead “avoided responsibility” and tried to blame Kabul for its security failures.
The Islamic Emirate accused Pakistan of being “irresponsible and non-cooperative,” adding that Afghanistan would never allow its soil to be used against any country. Mujahid reaffirmed that defending Afghanistan’s sovereignty remains its “Islamic and national duty.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted the talks had “no results” and confirmed there were “no plans yet for a fourth round.” Afghan Minister Noorullah Noori warned Pakistan “not to test Afghan patience,” saying if conflict begins, “elders and youth will fight together.”
Mujahid further blamed Pakistan’s military factions for sabotaging past peace efforts, claiming some generals fear a strong, independent Afghanistan. The Istanbul talks, meant to ease border tensions, now risk pushing both nations closer to confrontation.
