Taliban regime failed to act against terrorism, ignored commitments during third round of talks: FO

Pakistan criticized Afghanistan’s Taliban regime for failing to act against terrorist groups launching cross-border attacks and for ignoring commitments made during the dialogue, warning that “hollow promises and inaction” are undermining regional peace despite repeated diplomatic efforts.

In a statement issued in response to media inquiries on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said the third round of Talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, held in Istanbul on November 7 and mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, ended without progress as the Taliban delegation “avoided taking action on the ground.”

“Pakistan deeply appreciates the sincere efforts made by brotherly Turkiye and Qatar to mediate the differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the core issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil,” the spokesman said.

The statement said that since the Taliban regime took control of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan had faced “a sharp increase in terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil”, mainly by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates.

“Despite suffering military and civilian casualties, Pakistan exercised maximum restraint and did not retaliate,” the spokesman said, adding that Islamabad had expected the Taliban to curb the TTP’s activities.

Pakistan said it had extended goodwill to Afghanistan through trade concessions, humanitarian aid and visa facilitation, but accused the Taliban regime of “hollow promises and inaction.”

“Instead of acting on the core expectation of Pakistan – not to allow Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan – the Taliban regime has always tried to shy away from taking concrete and verifiable actions,” the statement read.

Islamabad maintained that its limited cross-border military response in October 2025 was “a manifestation of the will and determination that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to protect its territory and its people.”

“Anyone who houses, supports or finances [the TTP/FaK or BLA/FaH] is not considered Pakistan’s friend and wish,” it warned.

The statement said Pakistan agreed to participate in the Turkey- and Qatar-mediated dialogue to “give peace and diplomacy every possible chance.” But the Taliban regime used the talks to extend the ceasefire “without taking concrete and verifiable action.”

“Instead of finding solutions to address Pakistan’s core concerns, the Afghan regime used the opportunity to vilify Pakistan through hypothetical accusations and jingoistic rhetoric. It prolonged discussions and engaged in futile arguments to stonewall efforts to reach any concrete understanding,” it said.

The statement further added that the Taliban regime “treated the issue of Pakistani terrorists hiding in Afghanistan as a humanitarian issue.”

“These terrorists and their families are now being housed by the Taliban regime as repayment for their allegiance,” it said, adding that Pakistan was willing to receive its nationals “provided they are handed over at border crossings, not flung across the border fully armed with sophisticated weapons.”

Islamabad reiterated that it would not engage in dialogue with terrorist groups such as TTP or BLA, but only with the government in Kabul.

The statement also said that some elements within the Taliban regime are “supported by foreign actors to create tension” and by using “anti-Pakistan rhetoric to unite their fractious government.”

“There is absolute clarity among the people of Pakistan that the common people of Pakistan are the biggest victims of terrorist activities by elements hiding in Afghanistan,” the spokesman said. “The entire nation of Pakistan is with its armed forces to protect the interests and lives of the people of Pakistan.”

Pakistan called on the Taliban to end its “well-documented support” to terror groups operating against them, saying the regime “could neither deny nor absolve itself” of responsibility for the rise in cross-border terrorism.

While reaffirming its preference for diplomacy, Islamabad warned that its patience was not limitless. “Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences through dialogue,” the statement concluded. “But Pakistan’s core concern – terrorism emanating from Afghanistan – needs to be addressed first and foremost.”

Make or end calls

Last month’s violent clashes along the borders left scores of casualties on both sides and prompted Pakistan to close key crossings. In recent weeks, Pakistani security forces have intensified operations against terrorists, many of whom Islamabad says continue to operate from Afghan soil. Pakistan maintains that the TTP leadership enjoys safe havens in Afghanistan and has repeatedly called on Kabul to take “decisive action” against the group.

Earlier this week, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif warned in an informal briefing to reporters that any cross-border attack from Afghanistan would be considered a ceasefire violation and “responded to with full force.” “If Afghanistan’s soil is used for terrorism against Pakistan, the ceasefire will be invalid,” he said, adding that Pakistan had shown restraint despite repeated provocations but would no longer tolerate violations.

Read more: Pakistan warns that the Taliban ceasefire will not last if the attacks continue

According to military estimates, at least 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 110 TTP militants have been killed in recent border clashes. Pakistani officials also claim that a significant number of militants involved in attacks in Pakistan were Afghan nationals.

Diplomatic sources said the Istanbul dialogue will focus on establishing a verifiable mechanism to prevent cross-border infiltration and share intelligence on militant movements. Pakistan will push for tangible action against the TTP and the dismantling of their training and logistical camps inside Afghanistan.

The Afghan side, meanwhile, is expected to express concern over Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghan territory and the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees. Kabul maintains it does not support cross-border attacks and has called on Islamabad to address “internal security lapses” instead of blaming Afghanistan.

Officials familiar with the process say the Istanbul meeting could prove to be a “make-or-break” moment. Failure to reach an understanding on counter-terrorism measures could lead to further border militarization, closure of crossings and disruption of trade between the two countries.

This was reported by a senior Pakistani official Express Pakinomist that Islamabad wants “results, not rhetoric.” He added, “Pakistan’s position is simple…Afghan soil must not be used for attacks on Pakistan. If this commitment is not met, all options are on the table.”