Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Friday that peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been put on hold indefinitely, confirming that there are currently “no plans” for a fourth round of talks. Speaking with Geo News’ Asif said the discussions had reached a complete standstill. “There is a total deadlock, and the process has entered an indefinite phase,” he stated.

The suspension follows the third round of talks held in Istanbul, aimed at defusing tensions between the two neighbours after deadly border clashes last month. The latest round, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, came after earlier discussions that led to a temporary ceasefire. Asif expressed gratitude to both mediators for their “sincere efforts” and acknowledged that while the Afghan side appeared to agree in principle with Pakistan’s concerns, they refused to formalize any commitments in writing.

“The Afghan delegation wanted us to rely on verbal promises, which is unacceptable in international diplomacy,” Asif said, adding that the mediators eventually lost faith in the process. “If there had been even a hint of optimism, they would have asked us to stay. Our empty-handed return shows that even they have lost hope in Kabul’s seriousness,” he remarked.

Reiterating Islamabad’s stance, Asif said Pakistan’s demand is straightforward: Afghanistan must prevent its soil from being used for attacks against Pakistan. He made it clear that while Pakistan remains committed to peace, any aggression from Afghan territory will be met with a firm response. “We will act if provoked, but as long as the ceasefire holds, Pakistan will not take any hostile steps,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, in a statement on X, said Afghanistan bears full responsibility for failing to uphold its international and regional commitments to curb terrorism. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s goodwill toward the Afghan people but cautioned against supporting Taliban actions that threaten regional stability. “Pakistan harbours no ill will toward Afghans but will never endorse any measures by the Taliban regime that endanger Afghanistan or its neighbours,” Tarar said, adding that Pakistan will continue to protect its citizens and sovereignty by all necessary means.