Kabul [Afghanistan], November 8 (ANI): The latest round of Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks in Istanbul concluded without an agreement, as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accused Islamabad of insincerity and attempting to shift blame onto Kabul.
In an official statement released by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on November 8, the Afghan government expressed gratitude to “the Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar — the two brotherly countries — for hosting and mediating the talks.” The statement added that Afghan representatives had attended “in good faith and with appropriate authority” on November 6 and 7, expecting Pakistan to approach the discussions “seriously and constructively.”
However, the Taliban accused Pakistan of displaying an “irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude,” claiming Islamabad tried 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.” Acting on leadership instructions, the Afghan delegation had aimed for “a fundamental solution,” but said Pakistan’s conduct made the talks fruitless.
Criticizing Islamabad’s stance, the Taliban reiterated its “principled position” that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against another country, nor permit any foreign nation to violate its sovereignty or independence. The statement emphasized that defending Afghanistan’s people and territory remains “the Islamic and national duty” of the Emirate, vowing to “firmly defend against any aggression with the help of Allah and the support of its people.”
While reaffirming ties with the “Muslim people of Pakistan,” the Taliban said it would only cooperate “within the limits of its responsibilities and capabilities.” The statement reflected Afghanistan’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s repeated attempts to externalize its internal security problems and its reluctance to commit to genuine regional stability.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the third round of talks had “reached an uncertain stage with no results” and said there were “no plans yet for a fourth round.”
Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes, Borders, and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, warned Pakistani officials “not to test the patience of Afghans” and cautioned Asif “not to be overly confident in his country’s technology,” adding that if conflict arises, “both the elders and youth of Afghanistan will rise to fight.”
At a press briefing on Saturday, Mujahid said the issue between the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Pakistan is longstanding, dating back to 2002, and did not begin after the Islamic Emirate came to power. He noted that Afghanistan had previously facilitated direct talks between the TTP and Pakistan, which were largely successful until certain elements within the Pakistani military “sabotaged the process.”
Mujahid further claimed that some factions within Pakistan’s military establishment oppose the existence of a strong, sovereign Afghan government.
The Istanbul talks, intended to reduce border tensions, instead exposed Pakistan’s duplicity and deepened mistrust between the two neighbors. While a ceasefire currently holds along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Afghan officials suspect that Pakistan may again launch unprovoked attacks, including drone strikes targeting civilians. (ANI)
About The Author
