Efforts to establish lasting peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan have ended without any resolution, according to two sources familiar with the talks. They confirmed the development on Monday (October 27). The failure marks a major setback for regional peace efforts following recent deadly border clashes, Reuters reported.
The discussions, which began after the worst outbreak of border violence since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, aimed to create a long-term peace framework between the two South Asian neighbors. Both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire on October 19, mediated by Qatar in Doha. However, the second round of talks held in Istanbul—mediated by Turkey and Qatar—failed to produce results, with each side blaming the other for the breakdown.
A Pakistani security source said that the Taliban was unwilling to restrain the Pakistani Taliban, a separate militant group opposed to Islamabad and, according to Pakistan, operating freely in Afghanistan.
An Afghan source said the discussions ended under “strained circumstances.” The Afghan delegation claimed they have no control over the Pakistani Taliban, who have recently launched attacks against Pakistani forces.
The sources spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Officials from the Taliban government in Kabul, as well as Pakistan’s military and foreign ministries, did not comment.
The October clashes began after Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban in Kabul and other locations. In retaliation, the Afghan Taliban attacked Pakistani military outposts along the 2,600-kilometer border.
The failure of talks may make it harder to maintain peace between the two nations and could lead to renewed conflict along the border. The stalled dialogue has also drawn attention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister said he believes Afghanistan wants peace but warned that if Istanbul’s talks fail, it could lead to “open war.” Despite the ceasefire, border clashes on Friday and Saturday left five Pakistani soldiers and 25 Pakistani Taliban militants dead.
