Istanbul peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban collapsed after Afghan negotiators demanded written guarantees over foreign drone operations. Islamabad’s reported secret pact allowing US drones from Pakistani territory emerged as the key sticking point, raising regional security and diplomatic concerns.
Pakistan–Taliban Peace Talks Collapse in Istanbul After Four Days
Peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul collapsed after four days of negotiations, with Afghan delegates demanding written assurances that it would stop allowing foreign drone operations that violated Afghan airspace. Islamabad initially pinned blame on India, but reporting indicates the talks broke down over secret pact permitting US drone flights from its territory — a major security concern for Kabul.
The Afghan side pushed for a legally binding commitment restricting drone operations and cross-border strikes. The impasse followed a fragile Doha-brokered ceasefire and a series of deadly cross-border clashes earlier in October that heightened tensions. Both sides accused the other of violating ceasefire terms during the negotiation window.
Pakistan’s defence and political leaders have publicly blamed external actors — notably India — for the diplomatic failure, a response analysts describe as part of domestic political signalling. But multiple regional reports and Afghan statements point to the US drone pact and accountability for strikes as the more immediate and practical obstacle to progress. Observers warn the collapse could reopen border skirmishes, complicate mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, and deepen distrust between Islamabad and Kabul.
