The peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have officially collapsed, despite both sides agreeing to maintain the existing ceasefire, Taliban officials confirmed on Saturday. The breakdown marks a serious setback to recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the two neighbors, whose relations have steadily worsened over the past year.
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the talks failed after Pakistan made what Kabul described as an “impossible demand”—that Afghanistan should assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security. Mujahid said this condition was far beyond the Taliban government’s “capacity or jurisdiction.” “We have not violated the ceasefire and have continued to observe it in good faith,” Mujahid said, stressing that the Taliban remained open to dialogue but could not agree to “unrealistic” conditions.
The peace negotiations, hosted in Istanbul, were designed to ease military tensions and prevent a repeat of last month’s deadly border clashes. However, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed on Friday that the talks had failed to produce a joint framework, blaming Afghanistan’s “unwillingness to take concrete steps” against militant groups operating on its soil.
Asif added that Pakistan would continue to respect the ceasefire “as long as no cross-border attacks are launched from Afghan territory.”
The talks were mediated by Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing “deep disappointment” over the stalemate. During a meeting in Baku with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdoğan urged both sides to keep communication channels open and reiterated Turkey’s willingness to continue as a facilitator. “Dialogue is the only path to lasting peace and regional stability,” his office said in a statement.
The breakdown of talks followed an exchange of gunfire along the Durand Line on Thursday — the same day negotiations resumed in Istanbul — underscoring the volatility of the situation. Military officials on both sides accused each other of provocation, though no casualties were reported in the latest skirmish.
Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have surged over the past several months, primarily over Pakistan’s accusation that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants enjoy safe havens inside Afghanistan. The Taliban has repeatedly denied these allegations, saying it does not allow Afghan territory to be used against any other country.
Relations between the two governments, once seen as close allies after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, have since deteriorated sharply. Pakistan has launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan, claiming to target TTP commanders, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its sovereignty and destabilizing the region.
The two sides signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha in October, brokered by Qatar and supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, this second round of talks in Istanbul ended without any progress toward a long-term political or security arrangement.
Regional analysts say the collapse of the peace talks underscores the deep mistrust between the two neighbors. Pakistan insists that the Taliban use its influence to dismantle militant networks responsible for repeated attacks on Pakistani soil, while the Taliban view Islamabad’s demands as interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
Security experts warn that without a viable diplomatic mechanism, the border could once again slide into open conflict, threatening to destabilize an already fragile region. For now, both sides have pledged to uphold the ceasefire — but with tensions simmering, its durability remains uncertain.
