ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has launched a final effort to revive stalled negotiations with Kabul, as security sources say the Taliban’s “stubbornness” remains the key obstacle to a lasting accord.
The inter-governmental dialogue, convened in Istanbul following a cease-fire brokered in Doha, was designed to turn fragile truce into a permanent peace mechanism. However, the Afghan delegation reportedly balked at Pakistani demands for firm guarantees and actionable steps against the Tehrik‑e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant group Islamabad holds responsible for cross-border attacks.
Despite initial optimism on the second day of talks – described by one source as “encouraging” – progress faltered when the Afghan side failed to commit in writing to Pakistan’s core agenda. Pakistani officials say internal directives from Kabul constrained the negotiating team. Mediators from Turkey and Qatar are still working behind the scenes to salvage the outcome.
As the talks enter a crucial final phase, Islamabad is keeping diplomatic options open, while stressing that failure to reach consensus could force a return to military contingency planning.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.