ISTANBUL: As Pakistan and Afghanistan enter the second phase of talks, the Afghan Taliban’s lack of seriousness suggests that the regime appears to be pursuing an agenda against regional stability.
“The Taliban seem to be pursuing an agenda that does not serve the interests of Afghanistan, Pakistan, or regional stability,” security sources revealed.
During the high-level talks held in Istanbul, the Pakistani delegation presented its final stance to the Afghan Taliban delegation, according to security sources.
Pakistan has made it clear that the Afghan Taliban’s support for terrorist groups is completely unacceptable. The Pakistani side emphasized that concrete and decisive measures must be taken to end this practice, the sources said.
In contrast, the Taliban’s arguments were described as illogical and disconnected from ground realities, according to the sources.
They further revealed that future progress in the negotiations now depends on the Afghan Taliban’s willingness to adopt a positive and cooperative approach. Pakistan’s demands, they emphasized, are clear, evidence-based, and aimed at finding a genuine and lasting solution to the issue.
Security sources also pointed out that the Taliban’s inflexibility, lack of seriousness, and non-cooperation have become evident to all parties involved, including the host nation.
The Pakistani delegation underscored that there can be no compromise on Pakistan’s core demands concerning terrorism.
Meanwhile, the host country continues its efforts to ensure that the Taliban delegation understands the ground realities and evidence presented, and cooperates meaningfully to make the talks productive.
