Is Pakistan heading towards war with Taliban? Why Afghanistan’s peace talks in Turkey failed?

Kabul: Tensions have again intensified between Pakistan and Afghanistan as peace talks, which were held in Istanbul between both two countries, have failed. As per reports, Afghanistan had promised cooperation, but Islamabad was demanding a written guarantee and security arrangements. However, the remarks of leaders of both countries are further raising tensions. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that if the talks between both countries fail, the path of war is open. On the other hand, the Taliban stated that if Afghanistan is attacked, Islamabad will be targeted.

Why Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks Failed?

Citing Afghan Taliban sources, sources said, “The Afghan Taliban refused to accept Pakistan’s illogical and unreasonable demands. They said that Afghan soil is not being used for any terrorist activity.” The Afghan Taliban had another demand – that Pakistan should not allow US drones to enter Afghanistan through its airspace. “This too was not accepted,” sources said.

According to a report by News18, Taliban told mediators of Qatar and Turkey the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is emerging as an internal security for Pak.

“The Afghan Taliban refused to accept Pakistan’s illogical and unreasonable demands. They said that Afghan soil is not being used for any terrorist activity,” sources said.

Taliban had another demand that Islamabad should not open its airspace to allow US drones to enter Afghanistan. “This too was not accepted,” sources said.

The Escalating Tug Of War

“During the ongoing talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Turkey, a clear division was observed between two factions of the Afghan Taliban regime, mainly the ‘Kabul group’ and the ‘Kandahar group’. The Afghan Taliban delegation was in constant contact with Kabul and Kandahar,” sources said.

Pakistan To Continue Attacks In Afghanistan

Meanwhile, the Pakistani delegation has clarified the country’s stance that in the absence of talks or a security agreement, the Pak Army shall continue to target terrorists, who are hiding inside and infiltrating from outside the country.

“As a result, Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to reach a final agreement. Three days of talks ended without any result. However, Qatar and Turkey are still trying to find a breakthrough,” sources said.

How The Conflict Escalated?

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan started when Islamabad reportedly carried out cross-border airstrikes. The airstrikes, carried out on October 9, targeted TTP camps in Kabul. The neighbouring country accused Taliban of harbouring TTP militants, who have killed several Pak soldiers since 2021.

In retaliation, Taliban launched a major cross-border counter-attack in which as many as 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 20 security posts destroyed.