‘Afghans support Pakistan’s stance’ but ‘negotiations are over’: Khawaja Asif amid deadlock over border clashes

The two sides had begun the third round of talks in Istanbul on Thursday, aiming to ease tensions that escalated after last month’s deadly border clashes. The meeting followed earlier five-day discussions that had concluded with a last-minute interim agreement.

Asif expressed gratitude to Turkiye and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” in mediating between the neighbours. “They supported our position. Even the Afghan delegation agreed with us but was unwilling to sign a written accord,” he said, stressing that Pakistan would only accept a formal, documented agreement.

‘Verbal agreement unacceptable’

“They wanted us to rely on verbal assurances, which is not acceptable in international diplomacy,” the minister added.

He said the mediators had made sincere attempts to bridge differences but eventually lost hope. “If they still had optimism, they would have asked us to continue. Our return empty-handed shows that even they have given up on Kabul,” Asif remarked.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, he stated, “Our sole demand is that Afghanistan must ensure its territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan.”

He also cautioned that Pakistan would retaliate if provoked. “If any attack originates from Afghan soil, we will respond appropriately. But as long as there is no aggression, the ceasefire will remain,” Asif warned.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X that the responsibility now lies with Afghanistan to honour its international, regional, and bilateral commitments to curb terrorism.

He emphasised Pakistan’s goodwill towards the Afghan people but warned against supporting any Taliban actions that could harm Afghanistan or its neighbours. “Pakistan bears no ill will towards the Afghan people. However, it will not endorse any measures by the Taliban regime that endanger the interests of Afghanistan or neighbouring states,” Tarar said.

He added that Pakistan would continue to protect its sovereignty and citizens. “Pakistan shall continue to exercise all necessary options to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty,” he asserted.

Earlier, the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government took place on October 25 in Istanbul. Those discussions broke down after Islamabad rejected what it described as “illogical” justifications from the Taliban side and their refusal to address Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border terrorism.

Mediators had later convinced both sides to make another attempt, leading to an agreement to maintain the ceasefire.

Following that round, the Turkish foreign ministry issued a joint statement noting that all participants had agreed to uphold the ceasefire and set up a monitoring and verification mechanism to preserve peace and address any violations.