Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks collapse over Islamabad's 'unreasonable' demands: Taliban
What's the story
Peace negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have collapsed, the Taliban announced on Saturday. The talks were aimed at preventing renewed border clashes but broke down over a contentious demand from Islamabad. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the failure was due to Pakistan wanting Kabul to take responsibility for Pakistan's internal security, which he called beyond Afghanistan's "capacity." Despite the collapse of talks, a ceasefire between the two countries is still in effect.
Ongoing ceasefire
Ceasefire to remain in effect: Taliban
Mujahid said, "The ceasefire that has been established has not been violated by us so far, and it will continue to be observed." Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also confirmed that the ceasefire would remain as long as no attacks came from Afghan territory. The collapse of the peace talks came after recent border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani troops. These incidents occurred as negotiations resumed in Istanbul.
Escalating tensions
Turkey committed to facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan, Pakistan
The two countries had signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha last October, but efforts to reach a long-term agreement have since failed due to disagreements over militant groups operating inside Afghanistan that are hostile to Pakistan. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Baku on Saturday. He expressed hope that ongoing discussions would "yield results toward lasting stability."
Diplomatic efforts
Recent border clashes between Afghan, Pakistani troops
A statement from Erdogan's office said that he reiterated Turkey's commitment to facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Once close allies, Pakistan and the Taliban have seen their relations deteriorate sharply in recent years. The October clashes followed Pakistani airstrikes earlier that month on Kabul and other locations, targeting leaders of the Pakistani Taliban.