Editorial
Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have ended without progress, deepening uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire agreed earlier in Doha. Despite mediation by Türkiye and Qatar, both sides failed to bridge the trust gap, with Islamabad insisting that Kabul must prevent its territory from being used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to officials familiar with the talks, Pakistan demanded concrete assurances that the Afghan Taliban would take decisive action against TTP militants operating freely within Afghanistan. However, the Afghan side claimed it had limited control over the Pakistani Taliban, whose recent cross-border attacks have killed several Pakistani soldiers. The meeting reportedly ended after tense exchanges, reflecting the breakdown of communication between the two neighbours.
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Pakistan’s defence minister warned that failure to reach a settlement could lead to “open war.” Over the weekend, clashes along the border killed five Pakistani soldiers and 25 TTP militants, underlining the volatility of the situation. Islamabad has made it clear that it cannot tolerate continued cross-border terrorism, as such acts directly challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For lasting peace, Afghanistan must fulfil its international and bilateral obligations by ensuring that its soil is not used against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to curb the TTP threatens not only Pakistan’s security but also Afghanistan’s own stability and regional credibility. Peace cannot exist when one neighbour shelters forces destabilising the other.
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Pakistan has shown restraint and readiness for dialogue, but patience has limits. If the Afghan government truly seeks peaceful coexistence, it must take visible, verifiable action against the TTP. Upholding Pakistan’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable — and regional peace depends on Afghanistan’s will to act responsibly.
