Afghanistan’s Taliban government has criticized Pakistan for what it called an “irresponsible approach” following the collapse of peace negotiations in Istanbul, though officials maintain that a previously established ceasefire remains in effect despite recent border violence.

The two-day talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, concluded Friday without agreement. The breakdown occurred as tensions escalated along the shared border, where the Taliban reported multiple Afghan civilian casualties from recent clashes.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement Saturday expressing disappointment with the negotiations. He said the Taliban had entered discussions expecting Pakistan to “present realistic and implementable demands to reach a fundamental solution.”

According to Mujahid, Pakistani negotiators sought to place all security responsibilities on Afghanistan’s government while showing no willingness to address either Afghanistan’s security concerns or take responsibility for their own security challenges.

“The Pakistani side exhibited an irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude,” Mujahid stated, adding that this stance prevented any meaningful progress.

At a subsequent press briefing, the spokesman emphasized that Taliban forces have not violated the ceasefire and would continue honoring it.

Pakistan’s government had not issued an immediate response to the Taliban’s statement, though it had independently confirmed Friday that negotiations had stalled. Pakistani officials noted that while no breakthrough was achieved, the Qatar-brokered ceasefire remained operational.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistan “will not support any steps by the Taliban government that are not in the interest of the Afghan people or neighbouring countries.”

Core Disagreements

The fundamental dispute centers on Pakistan’s allegations that Taliban authorities have failed to fulfill commitments made in the 2021 Doha peace agreement to combat militant groups.

Pakistani officials claim Afghanistan is providing safe haven to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant organization that has conducted numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan. In response, Pakistan has carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory, including strikes near Kabul last month that the Taliban government attributed to Pakistan.

The Taliban denies harboring the TTP and insists it remains committed to preventing Afghan territory from being used for attacks against neighboring countries.

Mujahid reiterated this position: “We will not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against another country, nor will we permit any country to use its territory to take actions against or undermine Afghanistan’s national sovereignty, independence, or security.”

He described Pakistanis as “friends and brothers” while warning that Kabul would “firmly defend against any aggression.”

Pakistani officials thanked mediators Qatar and Turkey for their efforts but stated they would take “all necessary measures” to protect their citizens and sovereignty.

Human Cost

The conflict that intensified in early October has taken a severe toll. According to United Nations figures, 50 civilians were killed and 447 wounded on the Afghan side of the border. Explosions in Kabul claimed at least five additional lives.

Pakistan’s military reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded in Taliban attacks, though it has not released civilian casualty figures.

Despite the failure of formal talks, both sides have indicated the ceasefire brokered by Qatar will continue, offering some hope for de-escalation even as fundamental disagreements remain unresolved.