“Pakistan’s actions will not lead to peace…” Taliban lashes out at Pakistan over border tensions

New Delhi: Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul ended without any result. Afghan Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that Pakistan’s “irresponsible and uncooperative attitude” was the main reason for the talks’ failure.

Mujahid explained that the Afghan delegation held meetings with Pakistani representatives over two days on November 6th and 7th. The Afghan side participated in the talks with a positive attitude and the hope for a constructive outcome, but, according to him, Pakistan attempted to shift all security responsibilities onto the Afghan government during the talks and refused to take responsibility at any level.

The Taliban spokesman said, “Despite the sincere efforts of the Afghan delegation and mediators, the irresponsible behavior of Pakistani representatives led to the failure of the talks.” He also stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against any other country and is fully prepared to defend the country.

Pakistan’s Allegation of Terrorist Infiltration
Analysts say the talks were held amid recent border tensions and a surge in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. Islamabad has consistently claimed that terrorists are infiltrating Pakistan from Afghan soil, a charge Kabul vehemently denies.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Steps Up Attacks
In recent months, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s attacks have escalated, straining relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. The Istanbul talks were considered a crucial effort to restore dialogue between the two countries, but this statement by the Afghan side has raised fears of a further deterioration in the situation.