Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that Turkiye and Qatar have given full support to Islamabad’s position in truce talks with the Afghan Taliban being held in Istanbul.Addressing his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban were underway in Istanbul, and the mediators – Turkiye and Qatar – had fully endorsed Pakistan’s position. The spokesperson categorically stated that Pakistan’s stance is clear that Afghan soil must not be used for activities against Pakistan. The spokesperson also urged the public not to believe in any rumours circulating on social media, especially from Afghan accounts. Commenting on India’s water aggression, he said, “Water is a matter of survival for Pakistan, and any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty is completely unacceptable.” The spokesperson said that the Indian media on last Wednesday had reported that Hindu pilgrims were being prevented from entering Pakistan. He added, “Do not believe any rumours circulating on social media. Indian claims and news are contrary to facts as Pakistan has issued visas to 2,400 Hindu pilgrims. Earlier today, sources reported that Turkiye and Qatar had expressed full support for Pakistan’s stance during the Istanbul talks with the Afghan Taliban. According to officials, the Pakistani delegation presented evidence-based and logical demands to the mediators. The mediators, Turkiye and Qatar, fully endorsed Pakistan’s position, acknowledging that Pakistan’s sole objective is to eliminate cross-border terrorism. Officials added that the mediators agreed with Pakistan’s position in light of the evidence presented and in accordance with international principles. Officials added that information circulating on social media is speculation or misleading propaganda, while material spread from Afghan accounts is unfounded and deceptive. It is worth mentioning that Pakistani and Afghan negotiators resumed ceasefire talks in Turkey a day ago with the aim of preventing a return to hostilities after some of the worst clashes between the neighbours in years. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated recently, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan. The two neighbours, who share a roughly 2,600-kilometre frontier, agreed on October 19 to a ceasefire mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, although the detailed terms have not yet been finalised. A tense multi-day round of negotiations in Istanbul ended last week with an agreement to extend the ceasefire and to reconvene, and delegations met again yesterday. Negotiators are expected to work out the details of the mechanism and other issues related to implementing the ceasefire, but deep mistrust remains. Both sides have accused the other of acting in bad faith and warned that the truce could collapse and fighting resume. Pakistani officials have also accused Kabul of acting as a proxy for arch-rival India, which has developed closer ties with the Afghan Taliban since they returned to power in 2021. The Kabul explosions that triggered last month’s conflict coincided with India hosting UN-sanctioned Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. It is also pertinent to note that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that a collapse in negotiations could push Islamabad into direct conflict with the Taliban. Speaking to a private television channel, Khawaja Asif cautioned that Pakistan would be forced to consider military options if talks fail to make progress, saying, “If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner.”
Pakistan-Afghan Taliban Negotiations Ongoing, Mediators Endorse Pakistan’s Stance:FO
