Sat Nov 08 20:52:06 UTC 2025: ## Taliban Accuses Pakistani Elements of Sabotaging Peace Talks After Istanbul Collapse
New Delhi – November 9, 2025: Just a day after peace negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan abruptly ended in Istanbul without any progress, the Taliban government has accused factions within Pakistan’s military and intelligence services of “deliberately sabotaging” the dialogue. The talks were aimed at de-escalating tensions along the shared border and maintaining a fragile ceasefire.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in an online press conference, stated that these unidentified elements are attempting to deflect blame onto the Taliban government for Pakistan’s internal security issues and attacks carried out by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“The irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome, despite the Islamic Emirate’s good intentions and the efforts of the mediators,” Mujahid asserted. He reiterated Afghanistan’s stance that it will not allow its territory to be used against any other country.
The recent collapse follows a period of escalating tensions that included a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul last month, which was met with a strong response from Afghanistan. These were the most significant clashes since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021. A ceasefire was established on October 19th, brokered by Qatar and Turkiye.
Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of harboring TTP fighters, who have launched attacks against Pakistani forces. However, Mujahid dismissed these claims, stating the TTP was formed in 2002 and has no connection to the current Taliban administration. He further argued that the TTP emerged as a result of U.S. bombings and drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal regions.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in Islamabad declared the talks over, stating there is “no plan for any future meetings.” He added, “Our return empty-handed shows that even the mediators no longer have hope in Afghanistan’s Taliban.”
First Piper 