Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday squarely blamed the Afghan Taliban regime for the collapse of peace talks between Islamabad and Kabul. The negotiations, aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and stopping cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghan territory, ended without progress.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated in recent weeks, with both countries trading accusations and engaging in cross-border skirmishes. Tensions flared earlier this month after militants launched an attack on Pakistan from across the border on October 11. The Taliban claimed that the attack was a response to alleged Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan — an accusation Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by militant groups to launch attacks. The Taliban, however, continue to deny that such groups operate from within their territory.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has suffered multiple casualties in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the country. Following the October 11 attack, several other border clashes took place, with Pakistan reportedly targeting militant camps belonging to the Gul Bahadur group inside Afghanistan.
Efforts to defuse tensions led to initial talks in Doha, resulting in a brief ceasefire and an agreement to meet again in Istanbul to discuss a long-term peace framework. The second round, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, began last week in the Turkish capital but ended without any breakthrough.
Speaking to Geo News program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Minister Tarar said the Afghan Taliban bore “complete responsibility” for the failure of the Istanbul talks.
“When undeniable evidence was presented showing their soil being used for terrorism against Pakistan — and their links with the TTP — they simply evaded accountability,” Tarar said.
He thanked Qatar and Turkiye for facilitating the dialogue but lamented that the Afghan side refused to commit to a joint strategy to curb terrorist activities. “How much longer can Pakistan tolerate this?” he asked.
When questioned about the status of the ceasefire following the breakdown of talks, Tarar said Pakistan still believed in pursuing diplomatic avenues. “Hope should always remain,” he said, adding that if Pakistan’s sovereignty was violated again, the country reserved the right to defend itself.
Addressing reports that the Taliban negotiators only gave verbal assurances — without signing any written agreement to act against the TTP — Tarar called the move “hypocritical,” saying it clearly showed the Taliban’s intent to protect militants. “Their actions speak louder than words,” he said. “What more proof does the world need of their unwillingness to fight terrorism?”
He also questioned the Taliban’s credibility, pointing to their alleged coordination with hostile elements in India. “Their bad faith is now clear for everyone to see. Why were they meeting Indian officials while conspiring against Pakistan?” he asked.
Tarar said border trade between the two countries would remain suspended for now, and a decision on the way forward would be made soon. “Time will tell how this unfolds,” he added.
Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Edge
The minister emphasized that Pakistan remained far superior to Afghanistan in both conventional and proxy warfare. “They cannot harm Pakistan through such tactics,” he said confidently. “We have the capability to defeat them on all fronts.”
When asked about threats reportedly issued by the Taliban regime against Islamabad, Tarar dismissed them as mere “propaganda warfare,” adding that Pakistan would respond strongly to any attempt to destabilize it.
He further condemned what he described as an “unholy alliance” between extremist groups and certain Indian interests, referencing the Afghan foreign minister’s comments about Kashmir during a recent visit to India. “If they attack us or allow their soil to be used for attacks, Pakistan will respond — decisively and lawfully,” Tarar asserted.
The minister stressed that Pakistan was exercising great restraint compared to what most countries would do under similar circumstances. “Which other state would tolerate repeated attacks and still seek dialogue?” he asked.
Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance: Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism, and the movement of militants across the border must stop. He said it was imperative that the Afghan authorities take visible action against terrorist groups.
“There’s a clear consensus within Pakistan that these activities must end,” he said. “Since coming to power, the Taliban regime has openly supported the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, and even fighters from the Afghan Taliban have joined their ranks.”
He added that evidence presented after every major terror attack in Pakistan showed Afghan nationals’ involvement. “We share this proof publicly and with the world,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Tarar said Pakistan remained committed to peace and had played a responsible role throughout, while the Taliban continued to breach international commitments. “They violated the Doha Agreement and betrayed everyone involved,” he said. “The Taliban leadership has lost the trust of its own people. They are trying to sustain a war economy — but that is not sustainable.”