ISTANBUL, November 8, 2025 — The third round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, has reached a deadlock, according to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar. The impasse threatens to derail ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and curb cross-border terrorism.
Speaking to the media, Tarar confirmed that despite high-level participation from both sides, the negotiations have failed to yield any breakthrough. He expressed gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for their continued role as mediators but emphasized that Pakistan remains firm on its core stance: Afghanistan must take responsibility for preventing terrorist activities originating from its soil.
“Pakistan stands by its principled position that the Afghan government is accountable for controlling terrorism emanating from its territory,” Tarar stated. He further criticized the Taliban administration for failing to uphold its commitments under the 2021 Doha Peace Agreement, which outlined obligations to the international community, regional partners, and bilateral stakeholders.
Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s goodwill toward the Afghan people, expressing a desire for a peaceful and prosperous future for Afghanistan. However, he made it clear that Pakistan would not support any actions by the Taliban government that undermine the interests of Afghan citizens or neighboring countries.
“Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens,” he added.
The Istanbul talks follow earlier negotiations held in Doha, where both sides had agreed to maintain a ceasefire. However, recent border skirmishes and a surge in militant activity have strained relations, prompting Pakistan to present evidence-based demands to the mediators. These demands reportedly include detailed documentation of cross-border attacks and intelligence reports implicating Afghan-based groups.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Afghan delegation has been reluctant to acknowledge these concerns, leading to a stalemate. The lack of progress has raised alarms among regional observers, who fear that continued instability could spill over into broader geopolitical tensions.
The talks were initiated as part of a broader diplomatic effort to address long-standing security issues and foster cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Both Turkey and Qatar have played active roles in facilitating dialogue, hoping to replicate the success of previous peace initiatives.
Despite the current deadlock, officials remain cautiously optimistic that future rounds of dialogue may resume. Pakistan has signaled its openness to continued engagement, provided that its security concerns are addressed in a meaningful and transparent manner.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, recognizing that peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan is critical not only for regional stability but also for global counterterrorism efforts. The outcome of these talks could shape the trajectory of South Asian diplomacy for years to come.
