Istanbul Peace Talks Collapse: A Setback for Afghan-Pakistani Truce

Tensions escalated as peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul concluded without an agreement, sources disclosed on Tuesday. The discussions were intended to foster lasting peace following severe violence along the border earlier this month. The collapse of these talks threatens regional stability.

Following an October 19 ceasefire facilitated in Doha, efforts to secure a more permanent solution during subsequent negotiations—mediated by Turkey and Qatar—faltered. Disagreements centered around each country’s handling of the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group hostile to Islamabad, which Pakistan claims operates freely in Afghan territory.

Neither Afghanistan's Taliban government nor Pakistan's military provided immediate comments. Recent clashes began after Pakistan's strikes in Kabul, targeting the Pakistani Taliban, leading to subsequent cross-border retaliations by the Taliban. The deadlock has captured the interest of global powers, heightening concerns of a revived conflict.