Pakistan Confirms Afghan Taliban Talks Failed, Accuses Kabul of Supporting Cross-Border Terrorism

Pakistan announced the failure of four-day talks with the Afghan Taliban held in Istanbul, facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at curbing cross-border terrorism. Pakistani officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, accused the Taliban regime of failing to fulfill commitments under the Doha Agreement and supporting anti-Pakistan terrorist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Despite numerous negotiations and efforts, Pakistan said the Taliban remained indifferent to the losses Pakistan has suffered from militant attacks, with Kabul allegedly interfering in the talks and withdrawing agreements at the behest of external influences, including India. Pakistan vowed to continue its operations to dismantle terrorist networks and protect its citizens, emphasizing that its patience has run out after years of suffering significant casualties and material losses. The Taliban regime was also criticized for thriving on a war economy and showing no responsibility towards the Afghan people, with no immediate comment from Afghanistan following the talks. Pakistan expressed gratitude to Qatar, Turkey, and other friendly nations for their mediation efforts but reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring national security.