ANKARA, Turkey — Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have reached a deadlock, with both sides trading accusations of border clashes that threaten a fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar just weeks ago. Pakistan's delegation announced it was heading home on Friday, signaling an abrupt end to the negotiations aimed at easing escalating tensions along their shared border.
According to Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the talks stalled despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar. In a statement, Tarar said Pakistan 'will not support any steps by the Taliban government that are not in the interest of the Afghan people or neighboring countries.' He emphasized that Islamabad remains committed to peace but will take 'all necessary measures' to protect its sovereignty and people.
The breakdown comes amid reports of fresh violence along the border. An Afghan official claimed that four Afghan civilians were killed and five others wounded in clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces on Thursday night. Ali Mohammad Haqmal, head of the Information and Culture Department in Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district, blamed Pakistan for initiating the shooting, adding that Afghan forces refrained from responding due to the ongoing talks in Istanbul.
Pakistan, however, disputed this account. Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi stated on Friday that Afghanistan initiated the shooting. Pakistan's Ministry of Information echoed this on the social platform X late Thursday, saying 'the shooting was initiated from the Afghan side, but the situation was brought under control.' The ministry maintained that the ceasefire, established on Oct. 19, remained intact.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told Pakistan’s independent Geo news channel that 'as we speak, the talks are over.' He assured that the ceasefire would hold as long as there was no breach from the Afghan side. Pakistan's state media reported that the delegation, led by national security adviser Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, was en route to the airport to return home.
From Kabul, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed disappointment, stating in a Saturday announcement that Afghan representatives 'participated in good faith and with appropriate authority,' hoping for constructive engagement from Pakistan. He thanked Turkey and Qatar for their roles but noted that the discussions failed to yield tangible results due to differences over security responsibilities.
Mujahid reiterated Afghanistan's stance: 'We will not allow anyone to use its territory against another country,' and affirmed that the Islamic Emirate 'will firmly defend the people and land of Afghanistan against any aggression, with the help of Allah and the support of its people.'
The clashes occurred near the Chaman border crossing in southwest Pakistan, where a tense calm prevailed on Friday following the brief exchange of fire. This incident follows a pattern of heightened tensions that erupted last month. Deadly border clashes in October killed dozens, including soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants, and wounded hundreds on both sides. The fighting reportedly began after explosions in Kabul on Oct. 9, which the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan and vowed to avenge.
Qatar's mediation led to the Oct. 19 ceasefire, temporarily halting what has been described as the worst violence between the neighbors in recent years. However, underlying issues persist. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of harboring militants from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who carry out cross-border attacks. The TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and the United States, is closely allied with the Afghan Taliban, though the groups are separate.
Many TTP leaders and fighters are believed to have found refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, straining bilateral ties. Kabul denies these allegations, with Mujahid and other officials repeatedly stating that Afghanistan does not permit its soil to be used for attacks against other countries.
Tarar highlighted this grievance in his statement, claiming that the Afghan Taliban has failed to meet pledges made under the 2021 Doha peace accord to curb terrorism. 'Pakistan continues to seek peace and goodwill for Afghans,' he said, but stressed the need for action against militant groups.
The Afghan delegation in Istanbul was led by Abdul Haq Wasiq, director of general intelligence, according to Mujahid. Witnesses at the Chaman border, including Afghan refugees waiting to cross back home, described a scene of uncertainty. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, refugees were seen sitting beside trucks loaded with belongings at the partially reopened crossing, a visual reminder of the human cost of ongoing instability.
Broader context reveals a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan in recent months, many claimed by the TTP. This uptick has fueled Islamabad's frustrations and demands for Kabul to crack down on safe havens. Analysts note that the alliance between the TTP and Afghan Taliban complicates diplomacy, as historical ties from the anti-Soviet jihad era persist.
The deadlock in Istanbul raises concerns about renewed violence. With both sides pledging to defend their territories—Pakistan vowing 'all necessary measures' and Afghanistan promising to 'firmly defend' its land—the fragile peace could shatter. Officials from both countries expressed gratitude to mediators, but without progress on core issues like border security and counterterrorism, experts fear a return to open conflict.
As delegations depart, the international community watches closely. The United States and United Nations have urged restraint, given the strategic importance of the region. For now, the ceasefire holds, but the path to lasting peace appears more elusive than ever, leaving border communities in limbo and refugees caught in the crossfire.