Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks fail! There was no agreement on cross-border terrorism. Did the Taliban deliberately hinder progress or is there a major geopolitical storm brewing in South Asia?
Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks Failed Again: The ongoing peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan once again ended without any result. No concrete agreement could be reached on cross-border terrorism. Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif clearly said that the talks have been stopped and there is no plan for the fourth round. The question arises – is the increasing tension between the two countries a sign of some major conflict?
Is the breakdown of Afghanistan-Pak talks the beginning of a new war?
The third round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban lasted for two days, but the result remained the same. Pakistan wanted Afghanistan to promise in writing that its soil would not be used for attacks on Pakistan. But only “verbal assurance” was given from Kabul, which was rejected by Pakistan. On this, Khawaja Asif said, “We will accept only written agreement, international talks do not work on verbal trust.”
Pakistan’s tough stance “We will not delay in responding”
Khawaja Asif clearly warned that if any kind of attack took place from Afghan soil, Pakistan would respond in the same manner. However, he said the ceasefire would continue as long as there was no aggression. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also reiterated that Pakistan will protect its citizens and sovereignty. Also reminded the Afghan Taliban that it is their responsibility to control terrorism and till now they have failed in it.
Qatar-Türkiye’s mediation also ineffective – “hopes dashed”
Qatar and Türkiye were playing the role of mediator in all three meetings held in Doha and Istanbul, but could not reach any conclusion. Asif said, “If the mediators had even a little hope, they would not have asked us to stop the talks. But our returning empty handed shows that now they too have no hope from Kabul.”
Are Taliban hideouts a new challenge for Pakistan?
Pakistan alleges that terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are carrying out attacks from Afghan soil. Border clashes in the last few months have made relations between the two countries more tense. As the third round of talks also remained inconclusive, it became clear that the distrust between the two countries is deepening. Pakistan wants written guarantees, while the Afghan Taliban are firm on their stand. Now it remains to be seen when and how the fourth round of talks will start or whether these relations are moving towards a complete breakdown.