High-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul have ended without agreement after mediators from Qatar and Turkey failed to secure firm assurances from the Afghan side on stopping cross-border militancy.

According to Pakistani officials, Islamabad presented mediators with “irrefutable” evidence that terrorist groups are operating from Afghan soil, but the Taliban delegation did not offer clear guarantees to prevent such attacks.

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar confirmed on social media that the talks were inconclusive.

He said Pakistan remains firm on the principle that Afghanistan is responsible for preventing terrorism from its territory and noted that the Taliban have so far failed to meet commitments made under the Doha agreement.

Tarar thanked Qatar and Turkey for their mediation and said Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its people and sovereignty.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also described the talks as fruitless, warning that the Taliban’s statements could not be trusted.

He suggested that if the Taliban cannot control militant groups operating from Afghan soil, Pakistan should be allowed to do so — adding that he would only accept Taliban assurances if they signed them “with their thumbprints in front of witnesses”.

Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Hussain Andarabi told a weekly briefing that Pakistan handed over undeniable evidence of terrorist activity to the mediators and set out its demands.

He said mediators had fully endorsed Pakistan’s position and that Islamabad made clear Afghan territory must not be used to mount attacks against Pakistan.

Andarabi stressed that while Pakistan seeks peace, stability and regional cooperation, it will not compromise on matters of terrorism or its water rights under existing treaties.

Sources said the Afghan delegation was led by intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, while the Pakistani side included senior military officials.

Delegates discussed verifiable mechanisms to restrain militant groups, but Afghan intransigence prevented a breakthrough.

The talks took place amid continuing tensions on the border. Pakistani officials said that on Thursday, Afghan forces resorted to unprovoked firing at Pakistani posts near the Chaman crossing; Pakistani forces gave a measured and effective response.

The sources said the Pakistani delegation has returned to Islamabad. The government warned that if cross-border attacks continue, Pakistan will take whatever measures are necessary to protect its citizens.