Pakistan has made what officials called “specific, proof-backed, and practical” demands to the Afghan Taliban during the discussions in Istanbul, asking them to prevent militant attacks coming from their side of the border. However, security officials say the Taliban’s refusal to accept reality and their inflexible behaviour have raised strong concerns about their truthfulness and desire to work together.

Sources familiar with the meetings said the Afghan side has shown almost no flexibility, a position that other mediating countries have also started to notice. Türkiye, which is hosting the talks, is reportedly trying to help the Taliban delegation understand the proof and the seriousness of Pakistan’s concerns. Officials said the outcome of the talks will depend on whether the Taliban decide to cooperate sincerely and change their current unhelpful approach.

During this latest round of talks, Pakistan made it clear that it will not tolerate any support or shelter for militants who attack from Afghan soil. The Pakistani side asked Kabul to take strong and visible steps to break up terrorist groups operating inside Afghanistan. Officials said the Taliban’s arguments were “unrealistic and far from facts,” increasing doubts about their real intention to bring peace to the region.

The discussions in Istanbul come after the first round of talks held in Doha on October 19, under the mediation of Qatar and Türkiye. In those earlier talks, both countries had agreed to a short-term ceasefire after heavy fighting along the border that caused many deaths. Pakistan launched counterattacks after accusing Taliban forces and their allied fighters of starting unprovoked assaults on its border posts.

Following the clashes, Pakistan’s military carried out targeted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and in Kabul, destroying several militant bases. The fighting killed more than 200 Taliban and allied militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives. After the violence, Pakistan shut down key border crossings with Afghanistan, saying that protecting its citizens was more important than trade or transport.

As tensions continue, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Taliban government of acting as an agent for India, warning that Pakistan could go to full-scale war if peace efforts collapse. Speaking in Sialkot, Asif — who led the Pakistani team in the Doha talks — said he had seen some signs of peace during earlier discussions but emphasized that Pakistan would never compromise on its security or national interests.