ISTABUL: The third round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban took place in Istanbul, continuing for nearly 18 hours on the third day, sources revealed.
According to insiders, during the extended discussions, the Afghan Taliban delegation repeatedly agreed on multiple occasions with Pakistan’s legitimate and logical demand for verified and decisive action against the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and terrorism. Sources added that even in the presence of the hosts, the Afghan side acknowledged this as the central issue. However, each time, the stance of the Afghan Taliban delegation shifted following new directives from Kabul.
The talks reportedly remained inconclusive due to the unreasonable and unjust advice received from Kabul during the sessions. Despite the setbacks, both Pakistan and the host country continue to pursue a prudent and serious approach to resolving these complex matters.
According to sources, one final effort is still underway to find a logical and diplomatic solution to the issue despite the Taliban’s intransigence, with negotiations now moving toward a potential final phase.
Why deadlock:
Earlier, sources revealed that during the talks, Pakistan remained firm on its logical demands. However, the Afghan Taliban delegation was not fully willing to accept these demands. The Pakistani delegation’s stance continues to be rational, strong, and essential for peace. The host countries have also acknowledged that Pakistan’s demands are reasonable and legitimate. Interestingly, even the Afghan Taliban delegation itself understands that accepting these demands would be the right thing to do.
Sources said the Afghan Taliban delegation is being controlled from Kabul and has been repeatedly contacting the Kabul administration, proceeding strictly according to its instructions. However, no encouraging response has come from Kabul, which has led to a deadlock.
According to the sources, it appears that some elements in Kabul are pursuing a different agenda.
The sources added that the Pakistani delegation has repeatedly emphasized that accepting these demands serves everyone’s best interest, a point that has also been conveyed to the Afghan delegation by the host countries.
The first round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban was held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, where both sides agreed on a ceasefire. The second round took place a few days ago in Istanbul, where both parties reviewed the implementation of points agreed upon in the first round.
According to security sources, Pakistan had presented Afghan officials with a comprehensive plan to curb terrorism. In this regard, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the Afghan Taliban have only two options, either live peacefully or face open war with Pakistan.
