The peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Türkiye’s capital Istanbul once again ended without any result. The objective of this meeting was to reach a consensus on the ongoing border tension between the two countries and the activities of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but the talks broke down due to Pakistan’s tactics. According to sources, Pakistan sought permission to enter into Afghan territory and take action against TTP hideouts, to which Kabul expressed strong objection. There was a heated debate between the two sides on this issue and the atmosphere of talks deteriorated.

The Afghan side had assured Pakistan that it would not allow its soil to be used for anti-Pakistan activities. In return, Kabul demanded Islamabad to stop violating its airspace and stop flights of American drones. Initially Pakistan seemed to agree, but after a sudden “unknown call” its stand changed. According to NDTV report, after this call, Pakistan admitted for the first time that it has an agreement to fly drones with a foreign country (hint American), which cannot be canceled.

Afghanistan distanced itself from the meeting

Afghanistan took this revelation seriously and distanced itself from the meeting. This attitude of Pakistan was shocking for both Türkiye and Qatar, who were the mediators of this talk. After this, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif in his statement described Afghanistan as “Pakistan’s pawn” and warned that if Pakistan is attacked, the reply will be given with “fifty percent more force”.

Afghanistan gave a blunt answer

Afghanistan also responded bluntly. Its Home Ministry spokesperson Abdul Matin Kani said, “We do not have nuclear weapons, but Afghans have never bowed before anyone. Which is enough to teach Pakistan a lesson.” Afghan Defense Minister Maulvi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid also said that “TTP is an internal problem of Pakistan. Its members are Pakistani citizens, against whom Afghanistan has no jurisdiction to take action.”

In this way, Pakistan’s ‘dual policy’ has once again come to the fore. While on one hand he talks about peace, on the other hand he continues to make efforts to encroach on the sovereignty of his neighboring country. The breakdown of talks in Istanbul is being considered a major diplomatic blow for the entire South Asia including India, America, Türkiye and Qatar.

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Saudi Arabia on Sunday (October 19) welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the recent border clashes. Besides, he also appreciated the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye, who helped in the talks held in Doha.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said that this agreement will work to immediately implement the ceasefire and create the necessary mechanism to maintain long-term peace between the two countries. “The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomes that Pakistan and Afghanistan signed an immediate ceasefire during the talks in Doha and agreed to establish mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability,” the statement said.

Saudi Arabia supported

Saudi Arabia supported all efforts to promote peace and security and reiterated its promise to ensure stability and prosperity for the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. “The state supports all efforts that bring peace and stability and is committed to ensuring security, stability and prosperity for the people of both countries,” the statement said, adding that the Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the agreement will reduce tensions along the shared border of the two countries. The statement further said, “We hope that this step will help in ending the tension on the border.”

What did Qatar say?

Earlier, Qatar had told that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and further meetings will be held to maintain it. The Doha talks mediated by Qatar and Türkiye are being considered a major diplomatic success in this matter. A day before the talks, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Afghanistan’s south-eastern province of Paktika, killing 17 people, including three Afghan cricket players. Many civilians were harmed in the air strikes.

What did Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar say?

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the ceasefire and said that the next meeting will be held in Türkiye, in which both sides will work on monitoring and stabilization of the ceasefire.

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