Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks in Istanbul Collapse Amid Border Violence

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul aimed at resolving escalating cross-border violence have stalled without an agreement, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock. Pakistan demands concrete assurances and written guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to launch attacks, insisting the Taliban dismantle militant networks, while the Afghan delegation denies such use of its territory and refuses what it calls Pakistan's irrational demands, stressing national sovereignty. The Afghan Taliban also requested Pakistan prevent U.S. drone flights from its airspace, which Pakistan rejected. These differences reflect internal divisions within the Afghan Taliban delegation, which reportedly consults both Kabul and Kandahar factions. Despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar, the talks have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire or security mechanism, raising concerns about regional stability after recent deadly clashes and Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. Both sides remain in Istanbul with hopes of further dialogue, but Pakistan has stated it will continue its military operations against militants if no agreement is reached.