Islamabad: The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban has ended without success, with both sides blaming each other for the failure.
On Friday night, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the Afghan delegation verbally accepted Pakistan’s position but refused to put anything in writing. He added that mediators have also lost hope, which is why Pakistan’s team returned empty‑handed.
Khawaja Asif warned that if the situation worsens and any action is taken from Afghan soil, Pakistan will respond strongly. He said the ceasefire remains in place only as long as no attacks come from Afghanistan.
In response, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement on Saturday accusing the Pakistani delegation of irresponsible behavior. He said the Islamic Emirate had shown good intentions, but the talks failed because of Pakistan’s approach. Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan’s territory will not be allowed to be used against any country.
Speaking to local media, Mujahid also claimed that Pakistan’s airstrikes and threats were part of a plan to create a crisis in Afghanistan and pave the way for the United States to return to Bagram Air Base. US President Donald Trump recently said Washington was considering regaining access to the base north of Kabul.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been rising since last month, when the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out operations inside Afghanistan that killed civilians. Border clashes followed, with both sides claiming heavy losses.
The two countries agreed to a ceasefire after talks brokered by Qatar, and later met again in Istanbul on October 25. After several rounds failed, Pakistan officially announced the collapse of the talks.