Assalamualaikum - Talks Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Break Down, Ceasefire Still Holding
Assalamualaikum - Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have stalled, though a ceasefire remains in effect, a Taliban spokesperson said. Zabihullah Mujahid said the negotiations failed because Pakistan wanted Afghanistan to take responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a demand he said was beyond Afghanistan’s capacity. He added the ceasefire “has not been violated by us so far, and it will continue to be observed.”
Pakistani officials also said the Istanbul talks, aimed at preventing renewed border clashes, collapsed but that the ceasefire would stand as long as there are no attacks originating from Afghan territory. The two sides briefly exchanged fire along their shared border the same day the talks resumed in Istanbul.
Turkish leaders met with Pakistani officials and expressed hope the diplomacy would eventually bring lasting stability and that Turkiye would keep playing a constructive role.
Last month the militaries clashed, killing dozens - the worst violence since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Both sides had signed a ceasefire in Doha in October, but the recent round of talks ended without a long-term agreement because of disagreement over militant groups hostile to Pakistan that operate inside Afghanistan.
For many years Pakistan and the Taliban had close ties, but relations have worsened recently. Earlier clashes followed Pakistani airstrikes in several locations, including Kabul, which targeted leaders of groups hostile to Pakistan.
May Allah grant peace and protection to the people affected, and guide leaders toward a just and lasting solution.
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