Arshad Mahmood Awan
The Taliban 2.0 appear either politically naïve or deliberately duplicitous in their dealings with neighbouring countries. Their indecisive behaviour during the Istanbul talks has revealed a troubling mindset — one that prioritises sympathy for militants over stability and cooperation. Rather than acting as responsible neighbours, the Taliban leadership seems intent on maintaining ambiguity, keeping the entire region on edge.
At the heart of the discord lies Kabul’s refusal to curb the terrorist networks thriving within Afghanistan. Despite repeated requests and evidence from Pakistan, the Taliban government continues to turn a blind eye to the sanctuaries of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist groups. This lack of understanding — or unwillingness — to devise a credible counterterrorism strategy has not only strained ties with Islamabad but also exposed the Taliban’s weak grasp of regional diplomacy.
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Reports from Istanbul suggest that the Afghan delegation lacks decision-making authority, often suspending talks to consult power centres in Kabul and Kandahar. This not only undermines the seriousness of the dialogue but also highlights the Taliban’s internal disunity. A credible process requires empowered negotiators capable of making commitments — not messengers seeking constant approval. If the Taliban leadership truly desires regional peace, it must demonstrate resolve through action, not words.
A verifiable mechanism against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil must be the core outcome of these talks. Pakistan, bearing the brunt of cross-border terrorism, cannot afford empty assurances. A joint regional framework — involving Qatar, Türkiye, China, and other stakeholders — could serve as a guarantor system to ensure compliance and verification. Anything less would render future negotiations meaningless.
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However, the Taliban’s demands for “reciprocal guarantees,” including Pakistan’s non-violation of Afghan airspace and restrictions on third-party strikes, reveal a distorted understanding of sovereignty. These demands attempt to equate the aggressor with the victim. No state would tolerate cross-border attacks on its soldiers and civilians without responding in self-defence. The Taliban’s narrative conveniently overlooks the fact that it is their harbouring of militants that invites retaliation in the first place.
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Pakistan, alongside mediators like Türkiye and Qatar, has already shown considerable restraint and diplomatic patience. Yet, the Taliban’s repeated evasions risk exhausting that goodwill. Should the Istanbul talks collapse, the blame will rest squarely on Kabul’s shoulders. Such a failure could escalate tensions along the border, disrupt trade routes, and invite greater instability across the region — consequences that Afghanistan can ill afford.
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It is also worth remembering that the Taliban have failed to honour the commitments they made under the Doha Accord of 2020 — including the promise to prevent Afghan soil from being used by terrorist organisations. Their inability to enforce this pledge has created a security vacuum now spilling into Pakistan. The Istanbul talks are not an isolated diplomatic exercise; they are a litmus test of whether the Taliban regime is capable of behaving as a legitimate state actor rather than an ideological movement clinging to past loyalties.
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The future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations hinges on the Taliban’s willingness to act responsibly. They must realise that regional peace and economic revival depend on mutual trust, not deception. If the Taliban persist in shielding militants, they will isolate Afghanistan diplomatically and economically, pushing it back into the chaos from which it barely emerged.
The Istanbul process is perhaps the final opportunity for the Taliban to prove that they are not the same insular force of the past. By confronting terrorism decisively and respecting regional sovereignty, they could transform Afghanistan into a partner for peace. If not, the world will once again witness the tragic cycle of violence, isolation, and human suffering that has defined Afghanistan for decades.
