Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have “entered an indefinite phase,” as the Istanbul dialogue failed to bridge critical differences between the two sides. Speaking on Geo News, Asif said the Afghan Taliban delegation came “without any programme” and refused to sign a written agreement, insisting on verbal assurances only.
The third round of talks, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, ended abruptly with no formal outcome. Pakistani officials, led by DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik, presented evidence-based demands for ending cross-border attacks from Afghan soil. Afghan representatives, however, labelled Pakistan’s conditions as “unrealistic,” further widening the trust gap.
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The defence minister warned that while the ceasefire remains, any violation would invite a “befitting response.” He said Pakistan’s patience was running thin, stressing that continued aggression from Afghanistan could trigger serious retaliatory measures.
Information Minister Ata Tarar reiterated that the responsibility lies with Kabul to curb terrorism, asserting Pakistan’s right to defend its sovereignty. Mediators in Istanbul reportedly continued efforts to revive dialogue, but the atmosphere remained tense as both sides stood firm on their positions.
