The ongoing peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul had started with the hope that a concrete way could be found to end the long-running border tension, but according to available information, these talks have failed to reach any practical agreement. Let us tell you that this meeting was hosted by Turkey and Qatar and it was going on from October 25, whereas earlier on October 19, a temporary ceasefire was announced between the two sides in Doha.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tardar described the Istanbul talks as inconclusive and said that the Afghan representatives repeatedly deviated from the core issue and were shying away from taking responsibility. It is noteworthy that the main agenda of this meeting was to ensure concrete action from Kabul against groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but Pakistan alleges that the Afghan side is not ready to take clear steps on this.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said in strong words that they will not tolerate this situation and if there is any attack from Kabul, the response will be “swift”. Asif also accused the Taliban of acting at the behest of Delhi and said India was using Afghanistan to maintain a low-intensity conflict against Pakistan, an allegation that sharpens the already existing mutual fears and rivalry between the two countries.
However, border clashes continued despite the ceasefire; According to current reports, five Pakistani soldiers and about 25 Taliban fighters have been killed in the recent clashes, indicating that lasting peace is still a long way off. Experts believe that the failure of the Istanbul talks could increase Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions in South Asia and further complicate the regional security situation.
Both sides have agreed to continue the talks under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, but no binding decision has been taken yet on the major demands of Pakistan, especially action on cross-border bases and definite action against terrorist organizations and groups. According to available information, lack of trust between the two countries and allegations of influence from outside countries remain the biggest obstacles in accelerating the peace process.