Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stark warning Wednesday that ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations would prove worthless without tangible progress, as Pakistani delegates departed for Istanbul to commence the third round of bilateral discussions.
Speaking to media representatives, Asif expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing the critical importance of substantive outcomes. He urged Afghanistan’s Taliban administration to demonstrate wisdom and responsibility in achieving regional stability, particularly regarding terrorist organizations operating within Afghan territory that threaten Pakistan and neighboring nations.
Pakistan’s Non-Negotiable Demand
Pakistan has maintained a singular, focused agenda throughout the dialogue process: demanding the Taliban government take decisive action against militant groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) conducting operations from Afghan soil.
The current Istanbul meeting represents the third diplomatic engagement following escalated tensions along Pakistan’s western frontier. Previous rounds occurred in Doha and Istanbul after Pakistan executed precision military strikes targeting terrorist installations inside Afghanistan, prompting the Taliban to request ceasefire negotiations through Qatari mediation.
Progress From Previous Negotiations
The inaugural Doha dialogue successfully produced an immediate ceasefire agreement. Subsequently, the six-day Istanbul talks yielded a joint declaration establishing “a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure peace maintenance and impose penalties on violating parties.”
Qatar and Turkey continue serving as neutral mediators facilitating these crucial discussions aimed at resolving cross-border security challenges.
Clear Policy Direction
Asif previously characterized the TTP as Kabul’s proxy force, alleging broader regional connections. He emphasized Pakistan’s unambiguous policy stance has eliminated any confusion regarding threat assessment and national interests.
The Defence Minister’s remarks underscore Pakistan’s determination to secure concrete commitments from Afghanistan’s leadership rather than accepting symbolic diplomatic gestures. The international community closely monitors these negotiations, recognizing their significance for regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation.
Success in Istanbul could establish a framework for lasting security cooperation, while failure may necessitate Pakistan reassessing its diplomatic approach toward Afghanistan.
