Pakistan Maintains Strong and Constructive Role as Istanbul Talks Face Deadlock (Afghan Delegation in Istanbul but Controlled from Kabul)

Independent Report
Istanbul, October 27, 2025

Pakistan’s delegation continues to uphold logical and legitimate demands in Istanbul talks for lasting peace, while the Afghan Taliban team, directed by Kabul, shows limited progress. Host countries recognize Pakistan’s key role in regional stability.

The third day of Istanbul negotiations faced continued challenges, yet Pakistan’s delegation maintained a logical, strong, and constructive approach, presenting demands widely recognized as legitimate and essential for peace.

Sources indicate that the Afghan Taliban delegation is not fully ready to accept these demands, even though members of the delegation themselves acknowledge their validity. The Afghan team has repeatedly contacted the Kabul administration and is advancing only according to its directives, suggesting they are effectively being controlled from Kabul.

Pakistan’s delegation has consistently emphasized that accepting these demands is in everyone’s interest, a point also reinforced by the host countries. However, no encouraging response has been received from Kabul, creating a deadlock. Sources suggest some elements in Kabul may be pursuing a different agenda.

Despite these hurdles, Pakistan’s principled and peace-oriented stance continues to be logical, strong, and indispensable for advancing dialogue and ensuring regional stability.