The high-stakes talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Ankara ended abruptly after three rounds failed to produce any agreement on a border management mechanism. The Pakistani delegation withdrew, deepening tensions between the two neighbours.
Soon after the talks collapsed, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani accused Pakistan of making “irrational and unacceptable demands,” warning that any air strikes by Islamabad would provoke a “severe response.”
Qani stated that while Afghanistan remains open to dialogue, it “will not tolerate cross-border attacks.” He warned, “If Pakistan conducts air strikes on Afghan soil, Afghan forces are prepared to target Islamabad in response.”
The deadlock followed Pakistan’s insistence that Kabul take “concrete and actionable steps” against militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Afghan officials, however, rejected these demands as unreasonable and claimed Islamabad was using terrorism concerns as a political pressure tactic.
Pakistan’s final draft reportedly left “no room for compromise” on terrorism concerns, while Afghanistan countered with its own “comprehensive proposal” urging respect for its sovereignty. The Taliban accused Pakistan of attempting to dictate its internal policies, asserting that Kabul would not bow to foreign pressure.
Qani emphasized Afghanistan’s resilience, saying, “We may not have nuclear weapons, but even NATO and the United States could not subdue Afghanistan in 20 years of war. The Afghan nation has never bowed.”
The breakdown in Ankara marks a major setback in efforts to ease escalating border tensions, where recent clashes have claimed dozens of lives and injured hundreds. Both delegations — led by Afghanistan’s Deputy Interior Minister and senior Pakistani defence and interior officials — engaged in marathon sessions but left without progress.
