ISTANBUL, Oct 28: Talks between Pakistani and Afghan Taliban delegations in Istanbul ended without progress, or breakthroughs, hindered by strong hostility on both sides.
As per Pakistani media, the latest round of discussions concluded today with no progress despite regional mediation efforts, underscoring the deep mistrust between the two sides, espousing concerns of regional instability, with mediators urging leaders on both sides to maintain dialogue to reduce tensions to avoid further violence in an already volatile region.
According to the report, third-party mediators from Turkey, and Qatar acknowledged that neither party could reach any agreement, citing significant differences in expectations and priorities.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
These gaps resulted in positions that were polar opposites for the other, ultimately preventing any progress during the discussions, with the Afghan Taliban blaming the Pakistani side of being non-committed to any serious discussions. The lack of cooperation has raised concerns over further escalation.
Pakistan has insisted that curbing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and preventing the group’s fighters from finding sanctuary in Afghanistan remain essential conditions for any agreement. Islamabad views the TTP insurgency as a direct threat to its national security.
Following recent border clashes, Pakistan has warned that it will continue targeted military operations inside Afghanistan territory if attacks by the TTP persist, with its security officials arguing that decisive action is necessary to protect civilians and military positions along the frontier.
Afghanistan has in turn threatened Pakistan of escalated military action against its security apparatus, should it conduct attacks inside Kabul, even warning of deep strikes in Islamabad’s critical junctures. (UNI)
The post No breakthroughs in Afghan-Pak talks appeared first on Daily Excelsior.