Pakistan, Afghan Taliban reportedly agree to resume talks in Istanbul

ISTANBUL: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have reportedly agreed to resume their stalled talks in Istanbul following a request from the hosts, sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the Pakistani delegation, which was preparing to return home, will now stay in Istanbul for further discussions. The decision to restart the dialogue aims to give peace another chance through renewed diplomatic engagement.

Focus on Pakistan’s key security demand

The talks are expected to centre on Pakistan’s core demand that Afghanistan take clear, verifiable, and effective action against terrorist groups operating from its soil. Pakistan has once again urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

The renewed round of talks reflects ongoing efforts to address security concerns and restore trust between the two sides amid rising cross-border tensions.

‘Failure’ of earlier talks

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed yesterday that the Istanbul talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, ended without progress. He said Pakistan’s “patience has reached its limit” after repeated cross-border terror attacks and vowed decisive action against militants and their facilitators. Tarar accused a faction within the Taliban of aiding anti-Pakistan groups and sustaining a “war economy.” Despite acknowledging Pakistan’s evidence during talks, the Afghan delegation offered no concrete guarantees. Tarar also blamed Indian-backed networks for fueling regional terrorism and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguard its citizens and eliminate all militant threats.

Pakistan will give a strict response if need arises

Similarly, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban, declaring that Islamabad will not tolerate cross-border militancy and is ready to respond decisively to any threat from Afghan soil. He said Pakistan agreed to peace talks at the request of “brotherly countries,” but recent hostile remarks by Afghan officials reveal internal divisions within the Taliban and undermine dialogue efforts. Asif accused the Taliban of protecting a “war economy” instead of helping Afghans rebuild. He urged Kabul to act against anti-Pakistan militants, warning that any aggression would be met with “firm and uncompromising” retaliation.