Pakistan, during a crucial round of talks in Istanbul, demanded the Afghan Taliban stop supporting terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil. This demand comes amid rising cross-border militancy which has put strain on bilateral relationships and threatened regional stability.

Background of the Ceasefire Agreement

Qatar and Turkey facilitated a recent agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan through mediation in Doha to end intense border clashes resulting in numerous casualties since Taliban returned power in 2021, that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. According to Financial Times, this truce stipulates both nations refrain from supporting militant groups while respecting each other’s sovereignty and respect each other’s sovereignties.
Pakistan Is Concerned about Cross-Border Militancy

Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and other insurgent groups who launch attacks against its territory. Islamabad asserts that these organizations operate with tacit support or active facilitation from Afghan Taliban militants. TTP militants have carried out multiple attacks in Pakistan that led to multiple casualties; according to Islamabad these attacks occur with tacit support or active facilitation from them according to Pakistan’s Directorate National Intelligence.
Demands at the Istanbul Talks

At the Istanbul talks, Pakistan’s delegation stressed the necessity for Afghan Taliban members to take decisive actions against terrorist organizations. Pakistani officials described Taliban responses as being “illogical and detached from ground realities”, casting doubt over Kabul’s commitment to dealing with this issue (The Times of India).
Afghanistan’s Position
The Taliban government has consistently denied claims that it supports or harbors militants targeting Pakistan, while Afghan officials maintain that TTP operates independently and that foreign interventions and accusations threaten Afghanistan’s sovereignty and national integrity. Any actions taken on Afghan soil by Pakistan constitute violations to their national integrity, according to them, according to Reuters.
Consequences of Failed Negotiations Sessions

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, warned of potential open war between Afghanistan and Pakistan should an agreement not be reached soon. He stated that its success hinges on Taliban efforts to stop militant activities emanating from Afghan territory; anything coming from Afghanistan will violate this agreement, Asif stated “Anything coming from Afghanistan would violate it”. Asif’s statement made it clear – any violations from Afghan territory would constitute violations to this accord, according to him (Reuters).
The Way Forward
The Istanbul talks are an essential milestone in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. For peace to become sustainable over time, both parties must engage in open, transparent dialogues that focus on resolving cross-border militancy while taking verifiable actions to address root causes of instability. International powers may play an integral role in supporting these discussions while upholding accountability.