Pakistan, Taliban Blame Each Other For Failed Istanbul Talks
Pakistan and the Taliban have blamed each other for the failure of three days of talks in Istanbul aimed at securing a long-term ceasefire and easing cross-border tensions.
Pakistan and the Taliban have blamed each other for the failure of three days of talks in Istanbul aimed at securing a long-term ceasefire and easing cross-border tensions.
Taliban-run national television reported on Tuesday that “certain circles within the Pakistani army” were obstructing the negotiations. The broadcaster, quoting Taliban officials, said the administration “cannot prevent attacks inside Pakistan.”
The Taliban-controlled outlet also accused the Pakistani delegation of “incompetence,” alleging that its representatives “retreat from the negotiating table instead of presenting arguments.”
Media outlets close to the Taliban earlier reported that the Istanbul talks ended “without result.” A Pakistani security source confirmed to Reuters that the discussions had concluded without an agreement.
Neither Islamabad nor the Taliban administration has issued an official statement on the outcome.
Since the start of the Istanbul talks, both sides have repeatedly traded blame for the breakdown of the process. The Pakistani delegation reiterated its demand that the Afghan Taliban act against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, whom Islamabad accuses of launching attacks from Afghan territory.
Taliban-run national television, in its latest report, restated the group’s position that Afghanistan “cannot prevent attacks in Pakistan or represent the TTP.”
The broadcaster echoed the Taliban administration’s long-held stance that the Pakistani Taliban issue is Pakistan’s internal matter and that Kabul “will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.”
