Islamabad / Kabul: Hopes for a breakthrough in the latest round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks dimmed late Monday after negotiators failed to agree on a mechanism for verifiable action against terrorist groups, particularly the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan soil.
Sources familiar with the closed-door discussions said that while “most of the points had been mutually agreed between the two sides,” the key sticking point remained the framework for ensuring tangible steps by the Afghan authorities to curb cross-border militancy.
Earlier in the day, optimism had been running high. Participants described the atmosphere as “markedly positive,” citing “encouraging progress” and “serious engagement” from both delegations. However, by nightfall, the process appeared to have stalled once again.
According to officials present at the talks, the Afghan Taliban delegation resisted putting any commitments in writing, particularly those related to providing verifiable guarantees against the TTP. “We kept hoping that we would be able to sign a mutual document soon, followed by a joint statement, but it still remains out of our reach,” one source said.
A Pakistani official noted that while the hosts understood Islamabad’s concerns, “people in Kabul and Kandahar are not willing to commit.” The impasse, he added, has created “a difficult phase” in what was initially viewed as a promising dialogue.
Despite the setback, both sides emphasized the importance of continued engagement. “The Afghan side has made it clear that tensions benefit no one,” a member of the Taliban delegation stated. “We are hopeful that these talks will produce a positive outcome.”
Mediators from Turkiye and Qatar echoed that sentiment, underscoring the value of sustained communication. “Even if the talks didn’t produce a breakthrough, the fact that both sides stayed engaged for three straight days is important,” one mediator remarked. “It shows that neither wants the process to collapse.”
The tone on Monday contrasted sharply with the frustration that followed Sunday’s nine-hour marathon session, during which Pakistani officials said Islamabad had presented its final position. “Pakistan has made it clear that ongoing patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban is unacceptable,” a senior security official reiterated.
As discussions continue, hopes remain that diplomacy can bridge the widening gap before tensions escalate further.
