The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said Pakistan’s delegation “refused to accept any responsibility” during the third round of talks in Istanbul, leading to the negotiations ending without progress.
He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement issued on Sunday, 9 October, by the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry said the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the recent Taliban-Pakistan negotiations. It added that Araghchi underscored the need for continued dialogue to resolve differences between Kabul and Islamabad and expressed Iran’s readiness to play a constructive mediating role.
Muttaqi said the Taliban delegation had attended the Istanbul talks with the full authority of their leadership and with “good intentions”, but claimed that the Pakistani side had declined to shoulder any responsibilities. The ministry did not clarify what specific responsibilities he was referring to.
He said the Taliban continues to prioritise diplomacy, understanding and dialogue in addressing disputes with Pakistan.
Before his call with Muttaqi, Araghchi had also spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and stressed the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and the Taliban.
