The third round of mediated peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in deadlock late Friday, with both sides pointing fingers over the failure to secure a durable truce, officials confirmed Saturday, as border tensions simmer despite an ongoing ceasefire.
The two-day talks in Istanbul, hosted by Türkiye and Qatar, sought to build on a Qatar-brokered truce from October 19 following deadly clashes that killed dozens—sparked by explosions in Kabul on October 9, which the Taliban blamed on Pakistani drone strikes. Despite back-channel diplomacy, discussions faltered on key demands, including verifiable curbs on cross-border militancy.
🔴Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Official Statement on Istanbul Talks
▪️#Pakistan’s complete perspective and narrative on #Afghanistan can be captured in one comprehensive statement of MOFA — a statement that provides the full context of the Pakistan–Afghanistan… pic.twitter.com/zNHGiViSUz
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) November 9, 2025
Afghanistan’s government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, speaking from Kandahar, lambasted Pakistan’s “unreasonable demands,” declaring the talks “at a standstill for now.” He reaffirmed Kabul’s stance: “We will not allow anyone to use our territory against another country, nor permit actions that undermine our sovereignty or security.” Mujahid stressed peace as Afghanistan’s preference but warned of defensive rights if provoked.
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Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif echoed the impasse on Geo News, stating the delegation was heading home with “no plan for future meetings.” He accused the Afghan side of arriving “without any program” and rejecting a written agreement in favor of verbal pledges: “There is no room for that.” Asif added the ceasefire endures “as long as it is not violated from the Afghan side.”
The breakdown follows a surge in TTP-linked attacks inside Pakistan, which Islamabad attributes to Taliban sheltering—charges Kabul denies, noting the group predates their 2021 takeover. Overnight clashes Friday killed four Afghan civilians and wounded five, underscoring the truce’s fragility.
Pakistan maintains border closures imposed October 12, partially reopening Torkham for refugees but stranding thousands and halting vital trade. The deportation of over 1 million undocumented Afghans since 2023 exacerbates humanitarian strains.
As the 2,600-km Durand Line frontier remains a flashpoint, both nuclear neighbors—and the region—brace for potential escalation. Mediators urged restraint, with no fourth round scheduled.
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