The third round of Afghanistan-Pakistan peace negotiations in Istanbul concluded without agreement on November 7, with the Taliban accusing Islamabad of deliberate obstruction and insincere engagement despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar. In an official statement issued by spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on November 8, the Islamic Emirate expressed appreciation for the hosting nations but condemned Pakistan’s refusal to engage constructively.

The Afghan delegation participated with full authority and optimism for a lasting resolution, only to encounter Pakistan’s persistent demand that Kabul assume unilateral responsibility for Islamabad’s security concerns. The Taliban rejected this imbalance, asserting that Pakistan demonstrated no willingness to address Afghanistan’s sovereignty or mutual security obligations, rendering the discussions unproductive.

Reaffirming its core policy, the Islamic Emirate declared that Afghan territory will neither be used against any nation nor tolerate foreign interference in its independence. The statement emphasized the government’s sacred duty to defend its people and borders, pledging resolute resistance against any aggression with divine and national support.

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Tensions escalated as Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes, Borders, and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, issued a direct warning to Pakistani officials against underestimating Afghan resolve. He cautioned Defence Minister Khawaja Asif against overconfidence in military technology, stating that in the event of conflict, every Afghan—young and old—would rise in unified defence.

With Pakistan confirming no plans for further talks and the Taliban alleging internal military factions oppose a stable Afghanistan, the fragile border ceasefire hangs in peril. Accusations of past sabotage in TTP-Pakistan dialogues and fears of renewed drone strikes on civilians signal a dangerous escalation, pushing bilateral relations toward potential confrontation.

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