Pakistan’s firm stance and Zabihullah Mujahid’s misleading statement: the real story behind Istanbul talks

The recent talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul once again ended in deadlock, undermining joint efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.

Pakistan participated seriously in the negotiations, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, and presented a firm position. Islamabad made it clear that verbal assurances from the Afghan government are no longer sufficient. Cooperation, it stressed, can only proceed if it is bilateral, measurable, and enforceable, ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts yield real results.

Pakistan’s core demand was clear and legally grounded: the elimination of the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, the extradition of their leaders, and written guarantees to this effect.

These demands do not infringe on any nation’s sovereignty but are fully consistent with United Nations resolutions and international norms. Despite this, the Afghan delegation repeatedly refused to take concrete steps at the final stage, preventing a successful outcome.

Recent remarks by Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid misrepresented Pakistan’s position. His statement reflects a recycled propaganda narrative similar to the one promoted by India. The reality is that TTP leadership, training, and funding networks continue to operate openly in Afghanistan.

If the Afghan regime truly considers its territory free of terrorists, it should accept a joint monitoring mechanism with international observers or representatives from Turkey and Qatar, allowing facts to be verified transparently.

Pakistan has always prioritised dialogue, regional cooperation, and peace. It has neither acted against the Afghan people nor challenged their sovereignty, and it has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades in a spirit of brotherhood.

However, Pakistan cannot compromise the safety of its own citizens. Having sacrificed thousands of lives in the fight against terrorism, the country is demanding not just statements but concrete action, because peace is only possible when commitments are matched by implementation.