Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Pakistan: Talks Stalemate with Afghanistan on Cross-Border Terrorism
Imagine two neighbors, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who share a very long fence between their yards.
Pakistan is worried that people from Afghanistan's yard are coming over the fence to cause trouble in Pakistan's yard.
They had some talks to figure out how to stop this, but the talks didn't go well and are now stuck.
Pakistan says it has been nice to Afghanistan by offering good things, like for trading, but Afghanistan hasn't helped stop the troublemakers.
Pakistan believes safety is more important than trading.
Pakistan hopes friends like Turkey, Iran, or Russia can help them talk and solve this problem peacefully.
Pakistan's Foreign Office confirmed that relations with Afghanistan are in a 'stalemate' following three failed rounds of talks.
The deadlock centers on Pakistan's concern that Afghan soil is being used by militants to conduct attacks within Pakistan.
Pakistan reiterated that terrorism emanating from Afghan soil continues to cause casualties among Pakistani civilians and security forces.
Pakistan stated that trade and transit with Afghanistan are dependent on the Afghan Taliban regime taking clear steps against anti-Pakistan elements operating from its territory.
Pakistan expressed appreciation for potential mediation efforts by Turkiye, Iran, and Russia to resolve bilateral differences.
- Who
- Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and Pakistan's government
- What
- Confirmed a 'stalemate' and 'deadlock' in bilateral talks with Afghanistan regarding cross-border terrorism.
- When
- The confirmation was made on Friday, following three rounds of talks, the last of which was on November 7.
- Where
- The talks were held in Istanbul, and the concerns relate to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region.
- Why
- The deadlock is due to Afghanistan's alleged failure to take steps against militants using its soil to conduct attacks in Pakistan.
Pakistan's Stance
Afghanistan's (Taliban regime) Stance
Use of Afghan Soil for Terrorism
Pakistan's Stance
Terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, perpetrated by Afghan nationals and TTP/Fitnah-Al-Khawaraj elements, continues to claim Pakistani lives, necessitating clear steps from the Afghan regime.
Afghanistan's (Taliban regime) Stance
The article does not provide a direct statement from the Afghan Taliban regime regarding the accusations of harboring or supporting anti-Pakistan elements.
Trade and Reciprocity
Pakistan's Stance
Pakistan has extended trade concessions, but its positive gestures have not been reciprocated; trade and transit are contingent on Afghanistan taking clear steps against anti-Pakistan elements.
Afghanistan's (Taliban regime) Stance
The article implies a lack of reciprocation from the Afghan Taliban regime, suggesting they continue to support elements perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan.
- Current Relations
- Stalemate, deadlock, impasse
- Last Talks Held
- November 7 in Istanbul
- Pakistan's Core Concern
- Terrorism from Afghan soil targeting Pakistani civilians and security forces
- Pakistan's Proposed Solution
- Afghan Taliban regime taking clear steps against anti-Pakistan elements
- Trade Stance
- Contingent on security cooperation
- Border Ceasefire
- Uncertain; difficult situation with reports of incidents
- Potential Mediation
- Pakistan welcomes efforts by Turkiye, Iran, and Russia
