Pakistan hindered Turkey talks by 'unrealistic demands': Afghan source
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Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul ended without agreement, as each side blamed the other for a truce deadlock over the Pakistani Taliban.
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Afghan refugees sit beside trucks as they wait their turn to leave for their homeland through a border crossing point which partially opens following the October 19 ceasefire, on the outskirts of Chaman, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 (AP)
Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Turkey were reportedly obstructed by Pakistan through demands described as “unrealistic", an Afghan source said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Al Mayadeen, the source noted that Afghans still believe in dialogue and prioritize diplomatic solutions with Islamabad, while remaining prepared for any eventuality.
This comes as talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul aimed at reaching a long-term truce concluded on Tuesday without any agreement being reached.
Both sides unable to find common ground in second round of talks
Afghan and Pakistani sources familiar with the matter said that both sides agreed to the ceasefire reached in Doha on October 19 but were unable to find common ground in a second round of talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar in Istanbul, with each side blaming the other for the stalemate.
A Pakistani security source earlier indicated that the Taliban “do not wish to restrain the Pakistani Taliban,” describing it as a separate armed group from the Afghan Taliban that is hostile toward Pakistan.
On the other hand, an Afghan source familiar with the talks said they ended after “a verbal exchange” over the issue, adding that the Afghan side stated, “We have no control over the Pakistani Taliban,” which was responsible for attacks against Pakistani forces in recent weeks.
The renewed hostilities along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan began on 10–11 October 2025, when clashes erupted after Afghan forces accused Pakistan of airstrikes on Afghan territory.
Beginning October 11, heavy exchanges erupted along multiple frontier provinces: Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, Helmand, and Paktia, as Taliban forces struck Pakistani posts, accusing Islamabad of initiating airstrikes.
Despite signing a ceasefire in Doha on October 19, new clashes persisted, with Pakistan reporting five soldiers dead and 25 militants killed.
