Kabul: The third round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan, held in Istanbul this week, ended without any breakthrough, with both sides trading blame for the stalemate. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accused Islamabad of obstructing progress and attempting to shift responsibility for regional security, despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar.

What did the Taliban say about Pakistan’s approach?

In a statement released on November 8 by government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban administration thanked “the Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar – the two brotherly countries – for hosting and mediating the talks.” It said Afghan representatives joined the meetings “in good faith and with appropriate authority” on November 6 and 7, hoping that Pakistan would finally engage “seriously and constructively.”

However, the statement accused Pakistan of once again displaying an “irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude,” trying to “refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government” while showing “no willingness to assume responsibility for either Afghanistan’s security or its own.” The Taliban delegation, acting on its leadership’s directions, had sought “a fundamental solution,” but Pakistan’s behaviour rendered the discussions fruitless.

What is Afghanistan’s stance on the conflict?

Condemning Pakistan’s position, the Islamic Emirate reaffirmed its “principled position” that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against any other country. It also warned that no foreign power would be permitted to act against Afghanistan’s sovereignty or independence.

The statement said defending the country and its citizens remains “the Islamic and national duty” of the Emirate and promised to “firmly defend against any aggression with the help of Allah and the support of its people.”

While maintaining that it respects the “Muslim people of Pakistan,” the Taliban made it clear that any cooperation would take place “within the limits of its responsibilities and capabilities.” The message suggested rising frustration with Pakistan’s continued attempts to blame Afghanistan for its internal security issues and reluctance to commit to lasting peace.

What has Pakistan said?

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the third round of talks had “reached an uncertain stage with no results,” admitting there were “no plans yet for a fourth round.”

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes, Borders and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, issued a strong warning to Islamabad. He told Pakistani officials “not to test the patience of Afghans” and cautioned Asif “not to be overly confident in his country's technology,” warning that if conflict erupts, “both the elders and youth of Afghanistan will rise to fight.”

What caused the growing mistrust?

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Zabihullah Mujahid said the dispute between the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad “is not recent, nor did it arise after the Islamic Emirate came to power; rather, it has persisted since 2002.”

He stated that the Islamic Emirate had made efforts to facilitate direct discussions between Pakistan and the TTP and that “this process was largely successful,” but alleged that “the Pakistani military sabotaged it.” Mujahid also claimed that “there are factions within the Pakistani military that do not want a sovereign authority standing firmly in Afghanistan.”

What lies ahead for the Af-Pak relationship?

The Istanbul dialogue, intended to lower tensions along the border, instead highlighted Pakistan’s alleged duplicity and deepened mistrust between the two nations. While a ceasefire continues along the frontier, Afghan officials fear that Pakistan may again carry out unprovoked cross-border attacks, possibly using drones to target civilians.
(With agency inputs)