Pakistan and Afghanistan Talks in Istanbul
Pakistan’s Defense Minister announced that negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul in Istanbul were suspended due to the absence of a clear outcome.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, speaking about the recent talks following border clashes with Afghanistan, said: “The third round of negotiations, which began yesterday, produced no results and effectively reached a complete deadlock. The talks have entered an uncertain stage.”
He expressed gratitude to Turkey and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” to ease tensions between the two countries, adding: “These nations supported our position. Even the Afghan delegation agreed with us, but they were not ready to sign a written agreement.”
Asif stressed that Pakistan only accepts formal and written agreements, stating: “The other side sought verbal assurances, but such an approach is unacceptable in international negotiations.”
Referring to the extensive efforts of Turkey and Qatar, Asif noted: “If there had been even a glimmer of optimism, they would have asked us to remain in the talks. Our return without any achievement shows that even the mediators have lost hope in Kabul.”
The Defense Minister described Pakistan’s stance as “firm and clear,” saying: “Our only demand is to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for attacks against Pakistan.”
He further warned that Pakistan would respond to any hostile moves and emphasized: “As long as no attack occurs, the ceasefire will remain in place.”
