Pakistan Afghanistan peace talks collapse amid border clashes

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have broken down, according to Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. The negotiations, held in Istanbul, were intended to prevent new border clashes and followed a ceasefire brokered by Qatar. Asif said the ceasefire would hold only if there were no attacks launched from Afghan territory.

The talks, which began on Thursday, marked the third round of discussions between the two countries after rising tensions stemming from last month’s deadly border clashes. The Istanbul meeting followed earlier talks in Doha that produced the ceasefire, but Asif now describes the negotiations as a “complete deadlock” that has entered an indefinite phase. He thanked Türkiye and Qatar for their mediation efforts and noted that, although the Afghan delegation agreed with Pakistan’s stance, it was not ready to sign a written agreement. Pakistan, he emphasized, will accept only a written accord, not verbal assurances.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, confirmed that the talks collapsed because Pakistan insisted that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security—a demand he said exceeds Afghanistan’s “capacity.” Despite the breakdown, Mujahid said the previously established ceasefire would continue to be observed.

The Afghanistan‑Pakistan border has long been a source of tension, with both sides accusing each other of initiating gunfire near the border town of Spin Boldak. Last month’s clashes resulted in dozens of deaths, the worst violence since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Islamabad has accused Kabul of sheltering Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, allegations the Taliban administration rejects.

The collapse of the talks raises concerns about regional stability and the risk of further violence. The international community, including Türkiye and Qatar, continues to work to mediate tensions, but the situation remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations of aggression. Whether the ceasefire will hold and if new negotiations can be arranged remains uncertain.