Negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Turkish city of Istanbul entered their third round without any conclusive outcome. The talks fluctuated between hope and frustration as both sides failed to agree on a mechanism to curb cross-border terrorism.

According to reports, officials stated late into the night that a final agreement remained elusive. Well-placed sources said that while consensus had been reached on most points, disagreement persisted over a verifiable mechanism for action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

Expressing disappointment, a source said, “We had hoped to sign a joint document with Afghanistan soon, but it remains out of reach — though we are not giving up hope.”

From Positive Start to Growing Frustration

The round began on a positive note, with both delegations’ serious engagement earning praise. However, as discussions dragged on, optimism began to fade. “It’s a tough phase,” admitted one participant, reflecting the rising frustration within the meeting.

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By nightfall, it appeared that the process had stalled again, as the Afghan Taliban delegation remained reluctant to commit to any written agreement — particularly on the point of providing verifiable assurances to end support for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan’s Firm Stance

A Pakistani official said, “Our hosts understand our concerns, but those in Kabul and Kandahar are not ready to make commitments.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent position that the Taliban must end their patronage of the TTP and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

Sources also hinted that while some negative and external factors continue to influence the process, Pakistan and the mediating nations remain committed to pushing the dialogue in a positive direction.

Talks Continue Amid Mediation Efforts

Monday’s session reportedly began in a better atmosphere than Sunday’s, which was marked by pessimism after Pakistani officials told reporters that Islamabad had presented its “final position” to the Taliban delegation. Nevertheless, the Afghan side remained cautiously hopeful.

An Afghan team member said, “The Afghan side has made it clear that tension serves no one’s interest. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome.”

Role of Mediating Countries

Turkey and Qatar, acting as mediators, urged both sides to maintain engagement and prevent the process from collapsing. Although no major breakthrough was announced, diplomatic sources said Monday’s meeting was still significant.

One mediator remarked, “The very fact that both sides have engaged in three consecutive rounds of talks shows that neither wants to walk away from dialogue.”

By late night, negotiators in Istanbul were reportedly considering whether to extend the discussions into a fourth round.