Strategic Deadlock in Istanbul

ISTANBUL The third round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks in Istanbul concluded in a strategic deadlock, reflecting deep-rooted differences in priorities and approach between Islamabad and Kabul. Mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, the two-day discussions were expected to address the long-standing security concern of TTP safe havens in Afghanistan, but entrenched positions and differing strategic calculations prevented tangible progress.

Pakistan’s Legitimate Security Demand

The sole demand of Pakistan that Afghanistan deny safe havens to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is both realistic and non-negotiable, stemming from Islamabad’s duty to protect its citizens and territory. Despite this, Afghan officials and media outlets, including GDI-linked accounts, have misrepresented Pakistan’s demand as “unrelated,” attempting to shift the narrative away from a legitimate security concern. Denying sanctuary to TTP is crucial for Pakistan’s internal stability and regional security.

Taliban’s Strategic Ambiguity

The Taliban-led Islamic Emirate participated in good faith but refused to provide written guarantees regarding TTP activity. Zabihullah Mujahid framed Pakistan’s insistence on documented commitments as “unrealistic,” portraying Islamabad as shifting responsibility onto Kabul. This strategic ambiguity allows the Taliban to preserve leverage, protect ideological allies, and avoid accountability, effectively granting TTP a de facto safe haven in Afghanistan.

Tactical Constraints and Low-Trust Environment

The negotiation process revealed significant operational constraints and a pervasive low-trust environment. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s emphasis on written guarantees highlights the necessity for binding, auditable commitments. Mediators Türkiye and Qatar expressed concern as talks eroded trust instead of fostering confidence, signaling that both sides approached the table with rigid positions. The return of the Pakistani delegation, led by DG ISI Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, without results underscores that the TTP issue has escalated to a top-tier national strategic priority.

Regional and Strategic Implications

The deadlock carries major regional and operational consequences. Security in Pakistan and Afghanistan is interdependent, but the Taliban’s inaction prolongs the TTP threat, enabling regrouping, recruitment, and cross-border attacks. This directly undermines Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations and risks regional destabilization, while mediators express diminishing hope for progress.

The Persistent TTP Threat

The presence of TTP camps in Afghan territory represents a strategic window of opportunity for militants to reorganize and plan attacks against Pakistan. The Taliban’s reluctance to act decisively allows TTP to exploit this geopolitical vacuum, increasing risks not only for Pakistan but for broader regional security. Pakistan’s demand to eliminate these safe havens is therefore both justified and crucial, and mischaracterizing it as “unrealistic” ignores the tangible threat the TTP poses.

Strategic Path Forward

Moving forward, Pakistan must adopt a multi-faceted strategic approach: robust border security, regional diplomatic engagement, and insistence on formal written guarantees. Strategic communication must counter disinformation propagated by Afghan-linked media and GDI accounts. Ultimately, the Istanbul talks tested Kabul’s commitment to Pakistan’s core security concerns, and the deadlock reinforces the need for Islamabad to integrate diplomatic, security, and political tools to protect its citizens and regional stability.