Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have failed after four days of talks, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday night. He accused the Taliban government in Kabul of not wanting to take action against the militants, who he said were responsible for the deadly border skirmishes. TASR informs about it according to AP and Reuters reports.
- Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have failed.
- The negotiations took place after a ceasefire brokered in Doha, Qatar.
- Pakistan accuses the Taliban of inaction against the militant groups.
- Pakistan’s defense minister warned of a possible escalation of the conflict.
- Clashes at the border claimed dozens of lives and increased tensions.
Negotiations to secure lasting peace began on Saturday, less than a week after the ceasefire that the countries agreed on in Doha, Qatar. It was preceded by several days of border clashes, while it was the biggest fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban retook power in Kabul in 2021.
According to Tarar, the Afghan side was constantly diverting from the main issue and avoiding the key points on the basis of which the dialogue was initiated. The minister added that the negotiations “did not bring any feasible solution”, despite the mediation of Qatar and Turkey. Kabul did not immediately comment on these statements.
The media in both countries reported earlier on the possible failure of the negotiations. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaj Asif warned over the weekend that the failure of negotiations in Turkey could also mean “open war”.
Violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated after two explosions in Kabul in the first half of October and other explosions outside the capital. Taliban officials blamed neighboring Pakistan for the attacks. The explosions were followed by a series of border clashes that claimed dozens of lives among soldiers, militants and civilians.
