The Pakistani delegation made it clear that concrete and definitive measures are needed to eliminate terrorism.
In contrast, the Taliban’s arguments were illogical and disconnected from ground realities.
Istanbul, Islamabad (Monitoring Desk)
During the talks held in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Pakistani delegation presented a firm position to the Afghan Taliban representatives. According to security sources, Pakistan made it clear that any support or patronage extended by the Afghan Taliban to terrorists is unacceptable.
Sources revealed that the Pakistani side also emphasized that eliminating terrorism requires concrete and decisive steps, whereas the Taliban’s justifications were deemed illogical and detached from ground realities. Security officials added that it appears the Taliban are pursuing a different agenda—one that is not in the interest of stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the wider region. They further noted that any progress in the talks would depend on a positive change in the Taliban’s attitude.
In the second round of ongoing talks in Türkiye aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire, Pakistan rejected the Afghan Taliban’s proposal to relocate the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to a new location.
According to diplomatic sources, the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban lasted more than nine hours. The negotiations began in the afternoon and were hosted by Türkiye. Pakistan’s sole agenda was to end terrorism originating from Afghan soil.
Sources said Pakistan presented the Taliban with a comprehensive plan to curb terrorism, and the Taliban are currently reviewing Pakistan’s proposals. Pakistan urged decisive and concrete action against the outlawed TTP.
The talks between Pakistan and the Taliban regime are expected to continue for three days, with further discussions—hosted by senior Turkish officials—focused on establishing a robust mechanism to counter terrorism. These discussions will review Pakistan’s proposals for preventing terrorist attacks from Afghan territory.
It is worth recalling that on October 19, during the Doha talks, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and his Afghan counterpart Mullah Yaqoob participated, where an agreement on an immediate ceasefire had been reached.