APPARENTLY, the two rounds of Pak-Afghan talks in Istanbul collapsed due to stubbornness influenced by external powers and hidden agendas.

Last-minute efforts by Turkiye and Qatar extended the ceasefire, but the next round on November 6 remains shrouded in mistrust and international conspiracies. The situation is fragile due to multiple factors, including domestic rebellions within Afghanistan. Pakistan presented a comprehensive security plan to monitor terrorist activities emanating from Afghan soil. While the Taliban (TTA) may desire peace, instructions from Kabul led the delegation to present unreasonable demands, rendering talks meaningless without tangible, verifiable proposals. Past practices show both Afghan Taliban and TTP frequently back out of commitments as reflected by recent border incursions during talks.

Pakistan’s kinetic actions along the Afghan border and within cities are strategically and operationally necessary, despite domestic criticism. Pakistan has repeatedly attempted diplomatic measures—protests, ministerial visits and meetings—to convey the negative impact of TTA’s approach, emphasizing commitments under the Doha Agreement and the logistical support Pakistan has provided. These efforts have largely been in vain. Ideologically, the Afghan Taliban and TTP are aligned and the fractured Taliban governance lacks the capacity to control organizations using Afghan soil for terrorism, driven by multiple external masters. Tribal divisions, geographic fragmentation and foreign funding further complicate the landscape, while Kabul remains heavily influenced by India’s RAW.

The Istanbul talks’ failure, combined with TTA’s growing maliciousness and India’s threat, underscores the need to reassess Pakistan’s Afghan policy. The current conflict has evolved from TTP-led border skirmishes........

© Pakistan Observer