The ongoing talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul have entered their third day without progress, as negotiations reportedly hit a stalemate over Pakistan’s key security and border-related demands.
According to security sources, the Afghan Taliban delegation remains unwilling to accept Pakistan’s legitimate concerns, despite acknowledgment from host countries that Islamabad’s demands are both reasonable and legitimate for regional stability.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the talks have effectively stalled, with the Afghan Taliban delegation showing reluctance to agree to Pakistan’s proposals. Despite multiple attempts by the Pakistani side to explain the significance of these demands, no encouraging response has been received from Kabul.
“The Pakistani delegation’s position is logical, strong, and indispensable for peace,” one security source said, noting that progress has been hampered by Kabul’s non-cooperative stance.
Host countries facilitating the Istanbul dialogue have also reportedly acknowledged Pakistan’s stance as fair and justified, but efforts to break the impasse have so far failed.
Taliban negotiators said to be directed from Kabul
According to sources, the Taliban’s negotiating team in Istanbul is operating under direct instructions from the Kabul administration, which has constrained their ability to make independent decisions.
“The Afghan Taliban delegation itself privately believes that accepting Pakistan’s demands is the right course of action,” one insider revealed. “However, they have repeatedly contacted Kabul and are moving forward according to its orders.”
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Officials describe the Taliban team as being “controlled from Kabul,” with some elements within the Afghan administration allegedly working on a separate agenda that conflicts with the spirit of dialogue.
Pakistan reiterates that demands serve mutual interests
The Pakistani delegation, sources said, has consistently emphasized that its proposals serve the interests of both countries, ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.
“We have repeatedly made it clear that accepting these demands is in everyone’s interest,” a Pakistani official was quoted as saying.
The host countries have been briefed on Pakistan’s perspective and reportedly share the view that the current stalemate is primarily due to Kabul’s unwillingness to cooperate. The hosts have also explained the same thing to the Afghan delegation, the sources added.
