Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Talks in Istanbul End Without Agreement Amid Border Tensions

Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan held in Istanbul have concluded without reaching an agreement, officials reported on Saturday. The discussions aimed to de-escalate recent border tensions and maintain a fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar on October 19, following deadly clashes that resulted in numerous military and civilian casualties.

Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid attributed the breakdown to Pakistan's "unreasonable demands," stating that the talks could not proceed and are currently at a standstill. He emphasized Afghanistan's preference for regional security and peace but affirmed the nation's right to self-defense if conflict arises.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif indicated that the Pakistani delegation has returned home with no plans for future meetings. He noted that the ceasefire would persist as long as it remains unviolated by the Afghan side.

The failure of these talks underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace between the two nations, with both sides holding each other accountable for the impasse.