7 Major Developments as Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse

7 Major Developments as Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse — ‘ceasefire only if no attacks.’In a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that peace talks with Afghanistan have broken down after days of intense negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkiye in Istanbul.

The collapse has reignited concerns of renewed border clashes between the two neighbours, who have been at odds for weeks following violent skirmishes along the Durand Line. Speaking to Geo News, Asif bluntly declared that “the talks are over,” adding that Pakistan will uphold the fragile ceasefire only if no attacks are launched from Afghan soil. The statement marks the end of a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing another outbreak of violence after October’s deadly cross-border confrontations.

7 Major Developments as Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks Collapse

Talks Reach a Breaking Point

Hopes for a breakthrough were initially high when Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced last week that both sides had agreed to continue discussions in Istanbul following earlier meetings in Doha.

However, by Friday, optimism had given way to frustration as Tarar revealed that negotiations had reached a deadlock, with no progress toward resolving the core issues. Khawaja Asif later confirmed to reporters that “as we speak, the talks are over,” signaling the abrupt end of the process.

He warned that while Islamabad remained committed to peace, it would “take all necessary measures to protect its people and sovereignty.” The announcement came hours after reports emerged of fresh cross-border firing along the Chaman border, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire. Both sides accused each other of initiating the skirmish.

The Ceasefire — Hanging by a Thread

Pakistan and Afghanistan have been observing a Qatar-brokered ceasefire since mid-October, following deadly border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. The ceasefire was hailed as a crucial first step toward stability, but both nations have accused each other of repeated violations.

“The ceasefire will remain intact only if the Afghan side refrains from any aggression,” Asif emphasized. “If there is any attack from Afghan soil, Pakistan will respond accordingly.”

His remarks followed reports that at least five people were killed and six others wounded in cross-border fire on Thursday night. The Pakistani army alleged that Afghan forces initiated the shooting, while Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities claimed the opposite.

Also Read: Taliban Says Peace Talks With Pakistan Collapse But Cease-Fire Will Hold

A Week After Tentative Agreement, Deadlock Returns

Ironically, the breakdown came just a week after Turkiye announced that both sides had agreed to maintain the ceasefire and set up a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance. “All parties have agreed to continuation of ceasefire,” the Istanbul statement had said.

However, the optimism was short-lived. Pakistan now says that the Taliban failed to meet pledges made under the 2021 Doha peace accord, which obliges Afghanistan to curb terrorism emanating from its soil.

“Pakistan values peace and stability,” Information Minister Tarar said, “but we will not support any steps by the Taliban government that are not in the interest of the Afghan people or neighbouring countries.”

Afghanistan’s Response — Blaming Pakistan’s ‘Irresponsible Attitude’

In Kabul, the Taliban government responded angrily, accusing Pakistan of adopting an “irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude” during the Istanbul talks.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the two days of discussions were conducted “in good faith,” but Islamabad “did not demonstrate any willingness to assume responsibility for its own security.”

Mujahid said,

“The Pakistani side attempted to refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government, while at the same time it did not demonstrate any willingness to assume responsibility for either Afghanistan’s security or its own.”

He added that Pakistan’s stance made it impossible to reach a fundamental solution. “There was no outcome from the talks,” Mujahid admitted.

Despite the breakdown, Mujahid insisted that Afghanistan would defend itself against any aggression while reiterating its commitment to not allowing Afghan territory to be used against another country.

Pakistan’s Accusations: Taliban Harbouring TTP Militants

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of sheltering members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned militant group responsible for dozens of attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad insists that many TTP leaders and fighters have taken refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, using Afghan soil to plan and execute cross-border assaults.

Khawaja Asif rejected Kabul’s assertion that TTP militants were merely Pakistani refugees returning home, calling the claim “insincere and deceptive.”

“How can refugees come back carrying heavy weapons and sneaking through mountain routes like thieves? This argument exposes Afghanistan’s ill intent,” Asif said.

He added that relations cannot return to normal until the Taliban government takes concrete action against cross-border militancy. “Our only demand is that Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for attacks on Pakistan,” Asif reiterated.

Mediation Efforts by Qatar and Turkiye Fall Flat

The Istanbul and Doha talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, were seen as the last diplomatic chance to de-escalate tensions. The first round took place in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25. Both ended without substantial progress.

During the third and final round this week, Pakistan pressed for a written commitment from Kabul to act against TTP militants — a demand that the Taliban delegation refused.
“They wanted verbal assurances to be accepted, which is not possible in international negotiations,” Asif told Geo TV.

He praised Qatar and Turkiye for their “sincere efforts” but admitted that even mediators had lost hope. “If they had even a little optimism, they would have asked us to stay. Our return empty-handed shows even they have given up on Kabul,” Asif remarked.

Rising Tensions Along the Durand Line

At the heart of the dispute lies the Durand Line, the colonial-era border that divides ethnic Pashtuns between the two nations. The Taliban regime in Kabul has never formally recognized the Durand Line as the international boundary, leading to repeated border skirmishes and mutual accusations of encroachment.

The latest tensions began in early October after explosions in Kabul that the Taliban blamed on Pakistan. In retaliation, Taliban fighters targeted Pakistani military posts, claiming to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, though Islamabad confirmed 23 fatalities.

Subsequent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory reportedly killed at least ten people, triggering international concern and mediation efforts.

The Human Toll: Civilians Bear the Brunt

According to the United Nations, recent clashes have left 50 Afghan civilians dead and over 440 wounded, while the Pakistani army reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 injured. Both sides have accused each other of targeting civilians, though neither has provided comprehensive casualty data.

A brief but intense exchange of fire was reported near Spin Boldak-Chaman, a key trade route linking the two countries. Local witnesses said gunfire and explosions lasted several hours before subsiding.

Doha Peace Accord Back in Spotlight

The 2021 Doha peace accord, signed between the Taliban and the United States, required the Taliban to prevent terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan. Pakistan argues that Kabul has failed to fulfill those obligations, particularly regarding the TTP.

Islamabad maintains that until the Taliban demonstrates credible steps against these militant networks, no sustainable peace can exist along the border.

In contrast, Kabul insists it is committed to regional security and will not allow any group to use its territory to attack another nation. Mujahid said,

“We will not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against another country, nor will we permit actions that undermine Afghanistan’s sovereignty.”

‘We Agreed But…’ — Inside the Breakdown

Khawaja Asif revealed that the Afghan delegation had verbally agreed to Pakistan’s proposals but refused to sign a written accord, leading to the impasse.

“There is a complete deadlock. The negotiations have entered an indefinite phase,” Asif said. “Even though they agreed in principle, they would not commit on paper.”

He added that Pakistan’s demand was simple and consistent: a formal agreement guaranteeing that Afghan soil will not be used for attacks on Pakistan. “They wanted us to rely on verbal promises. That is not how international diplomacy works,” he added.

Warnings and the Road Ahead

Asif’s warning was unambiguous:

“If there is any attack from Afghan soil, we will respond accordingly. The ceasefire will remain intact as long as there is no aggression.”

This stark statement has raised fears of renewed hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Analysts believe the breakdown in talks could embolden militant groups on both sides and complicate ongoing humanitarian operations near the border.

Islamabad has also reiterated gratitude to Qatar and Turkiye for mediating, while maintaining that its national security comes first. “Pakistan will not support any steps by the Taliban that are not in the interest of Afghan people or neighboring countries,” said Attaullah Tarar.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations?

Despite repeated efforts, trust between Islamabad and Kabul remains deeply fractured. The Taliban’s reluctance to sign a written accord, Pakistan’s insistence on counterterrorism guarantees, and mutual accusations of aggression have all but ended hopes for immediate reconciliation.

Regional observers warn that unless both countries commit to genuine security cooperation, the border could once again erupt into open conflict. For now, Pakistan’s position is clear — peace, but only under conditions of non-aggression.

As Khawaja Asif summarized: “Our stance is firm and fair. We seek peace, but if provoked, we will defend ourselves.”

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