Istanbul talks expose Taliban’s reluctance to curb TTP, BLA militants: sources

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conveyed its final and firm stance to the Afghan Taliban during high-stakes talks in Istanbul, warning that the continued sheltering or patronage of terrorist groups will not be tolerated, security sources told ARY News.

According to the sources, the Pakistani delegation made it explicitly clear that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan, identifying it as the core demand of Islamabad. The delegation urged the Taliban to take verifiable and decisive action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), whose members are reportedly operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan’s representatives emphasized that eliminating cross-border terrorism requires concrete, transparent, and enforceable measures — not vague promises or verbal assurances. Islamabad’s approach to the dialogue, sources said, was sincere, open, and rooted in goodwill, aimed at achieving lasting regional peace.

However, the talks reportedly remained tense and largely inconclusive, as the Afghan Taliban delegation showed little flexibility, authority, or seriousness in addressing Pakistan’s concerns. Their arguments were described by officials as “illogical” and disconnected from ground realities, reinforcing doubts about their commitment to genuine counterterrorism cooperation.

“It appeared to Pakistan’s delegation that the Taliban are following a separate agenda — one that serves neither Afghanistan’s nor Pakistan’s interests, nor the stability of the wider region,” a senior security official said.

Despite continued mediation by neutral hosts, the Taliban side reportedly remained reluctant to act against militant groups. Officials warned that any deadlock or breakdown in the dialogue will rest entirely on the Taliban, not Pakistan.

Security sources stressed that Islamabad remains committed to dialogue with clarity, patience, and a firm resolve for peace, maintaining that Pakistan’s stance is legitimate, logical, and directed toward durable regional stability.

“If the Taliban do not change course,” one source cautioned, “the world will see that they are shielding terrorists instead of combating them.”

Officials further confirmed that progress in the dialogue now hinges entirely on the Taliban’s constructive and cooperative attitude toward addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.

The marathon round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban lasted nearly 40 hours over a 48-hour span. Sources said discussions on the first day continued for 19 hours, followed by 11 hours of negotiations on the second day.

The Pakistani delegation presented clear, evidence-based, and solution-oriented demands, calling them essential to tackling the root causes of cross-border terrorism.

While the host country continues efforts to persuade the Taliban to acknowledge ground realities and the evidence presented by Pakistan, officials noted that the success of the Istanbul dialogue now depends solely on the Taliban’s willingness to act in good faith.

“The ball is squarely in the Taliban’s court,” a senior source concluded. “Pakistan has made its position crystal clear.”