Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday confirmed that talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough, after which the Pakistani delegation began returning home.

Speaking to reporters, Asif said the negotiations failed to produce results, asserting that Pakistan “cannot trust anything the Afghan Taliban say.”

“They backtrack at any moment. Until they put their thumb impressions before witnesses, we cannot believe them,” the defence minister remarked.

He said all “franchises of terrorism” were operating from Afghan soil and warned that Pakistan would take every measure necessary to safeguard its security.

“We will do whatever it takes for our protection,” Asif stressed, adding that Islamabad’s concerns over cross-border terrorism had been clearly conveyed during the talks.

Talks hit deadlock

Earlier reports suggested that the third round of talks had hit a deadlock, with Islamabad insisting that Kabul take responsibility for curbing terrorism originating from its soil.

The two-day discussions, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, aimed to ease tensions following last month’s deadly cross-border clashes.

However, no breakthrough was reported as both sides maintained their positions on key security concerns.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan appreciated the mediation efforts of “brotherly countries” Turkiye and Qatar, but reiterated that Afghanistan had failed to honour its commitments under the Doha Peace Agreement.

“Onus lies on Afghanistan to fulfil its long-standing international, regional, and bilateral pledges regarding control of terrorism, in which so far they have failed,” Tarar said in a post on X.

He emphasised Pakistan’s goodwill towards the Afghan people but clarified that Islamabad would not support any actions by the Taliban regime that undermine regional stability.

“Pakistan does not harbour any ill-will against Afghan people. However, shall never support Afghan Taliban regime’s any measures that are detrimental to the interests of Afghan people or neighbouring countries,” the minister said.

Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to protect its citizens and sovereignty.

“Pakistan shall continue to exercise all options necessary to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty,” he added.

FO briefing

Earlier, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan formally shared its concerns and demands with mediators during ongoing talks in Istanbul, where its delegation presented “evidence-based and logical information” on the formation, training, and operations of terrorist groups and their external support networks.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters during the weekly media briefing that Pakistan’s delegation, led by National Security Adviser Asim Malik, is taking part in the negotiations with the Afghan Taliban administration. The talks are being held under the mediation of Turkiye and Qatar.

Andrabi said the Pakistani delegation also raised the issue of recent unprovoked firing from the Afghan side and handed over Pakistan’s formal demands to the mediators in Turkiye.

He emphasised that the discussions cover terrorism-related evidence and the need for effective security mechanisms to prevent cross-border attacks.

“The Foreign Office will not make any conclusive statement until the talks reach a final outcome,” Andrabi said, adding that “there is currently no deadlock in the negotiations.”

He urged media outlets and the public not to pay attention to fake news or rumours circulating on Afghan social media accounts.

Borders to remain closed

Responding to questions, the spokesperson dismissed Afghanistan’s claims regarding the recent Chaman border incident, saying that “the firing was initiated from the Afghan side.”

He added that the assessment reports following the incident were “not positive,” and the reopening of the border would only be considered after a favourable review.

Andrabi confirmed that the issue of border violations had been raised in Istanbul and reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

In response to another query, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on past air engagements with India.

“All aircraft shot down by our brave air force are now part of history, and we stand by our record,” he said, noting that confusion persists in the Indian media regarding the models of the aircraft downed, including Rafale jets.

Rejects Indian propaganda

He also rejected an Indian media report claiming that Hindu pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan.

“This is absolutely false,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan has issued visas to 2,400 Hindu pilgrims.