The latest round of high-stakes talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul ended in yet another stalemate, reinforcing the growing perception that Islamabad's patience with Kabul has run out. Both sides left the table blaming the other for the deadlock, despite Turkiye and Qatar mediating.

According to officials, multiple sessions were held over the past few days, but the gap between the two sides proved too wide to bridge. And "the [latest] round [of talks] has ended without agreement", according to a senior security source. Also, Information Minister Atta Tarar has made it clear that Islamabad's expectations from Kabul remain unmet.

The collapse of the Istanbul round is hardly surprising. Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been simmering for months. Pakistan insists that the TTP leadership and fighters enjoy safe havens inside Afghanistan, operating with impunity under the watch of the Taliban regime. The Afghan Taliban, in turn, accuse Pakistan of violating Afghan........

© The Express Tribune