Deadlock continues in the latest round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks as the Pakistani delegation left for the airport, sources said on Friday.
Sources divulged that the delegation withdrew from the negotiating table. Qatar and Turkish authorities remain closely informed about developments. The sources pertaining to the development added that Pakistan exercised maximum patience under the current circumstances.
Decisions regarding the future of talks will now be taken following consultations within the Pakistani senior leadership.
Pakistan reaffirms stance on Afghanistan amid talks in Turkiye
During discussions in Turkiye on Pakistan–Afghanistan relations, Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to its principled position, saying the responsibility to curb terrorism originating from Afghan territory lies with Afghanistan.
Tarar said that the Afghan Taliban have so far failed to honour their international, regional and bilateral commitments under the 2021 Doha Agreement.
He added that Pakistan continues to hold goodwill towards the Afghan people and desires a peaceful future for them. "However, it will not support any actions by the Taliban regime that are contrary to the interests of the Afghan population or neighbouring countries," he maintained.
Also Read: Pakistan seeks written accord in talks with Afghanistan: Asif
Separately today, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan seeks the Pak-Afghan talks to result in a written agreement rather than verbal understandings.
Speaking to the media outside the parliament, he said the government wants everything to be clear and made part of the agreement, adding that if there is any violation, then Qatar and Turkiye will act as guarantors. Asif said Pakistan does not require anyone’s direction for the Pak-Afghan negotiations, adding that the talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan are essential, as peace is a necessity for the region.
The defence minister said Pakistan desires peace, prosperity, and trade in the region, saying, "The peace and trade are vital for the region, and that is what we are striving for. Whoever is giving guarantees should do so in writing, and we shall proceed."
