By The South Asia Times

Istanbul — The second round of Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks, aimed at curbing cross-border terrorism, entered its fourth day in Istanbul on Tuesday but has hit significant roadblocks, according to well-placed security sources.

Sources revealed that while Pakistan’s demands were described as “logical, well-reasoned, and legitimate,” the Afghan Taliban delegation has shown reluctance to accept them in full. Despite extensive discussions, the talks have not yet produced any concrete breakthrough.

Security sources said the host countries, Turkiye and Qatar, mediating the process have also acknowledged that Pakistan’s stance is fair and justified, even noting that members of the Afghan Taliban delegation privately recognize the validity of Islamabad’s concerns. However, the Afghan side has continued to consult the Kabul administration, which appears to be guiding the delegation’s position.
“It would be fair to say the delegation is being controlled from Kabul,” a security official said, adding that Pakistan has consistently emphasized that acceptance of its demands would serve mutual interests and regional stability.

According to the sources, Pakistan’s delegation has presented its final position to the Taliban side, making it clear that “no compromise is possible” on the issue of cross-border terrorism. Islamabad has demanded that the Taliban regime take concrete and verifiable steps to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and prevent the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from launching attacks across the border.

“The ongoing patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban is unacceptable,” the source stated, describing Pakistan’s position as “firm, evidence-based, and vital for peace.”

However, progress has been hampered by what officials described as the Taliban delegation’s “stubbornness, lack of seriousness, and non-cooperative attitude.” Host country interlocutors are reportedly making “all-out efforts” to convince the Taliban side to acknowledge the ground realities and cooperate constructively.

Security sources added that the Afghan Taliban delegation appears divided internally over how to deal with the TTP. Some influential leaders in Kabul are said to favor action against the group and seek a negotiated understanding with Pakistan, while others—particularly those aligned with the powerful Kandahar faction led by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob—are resisting such moves.
Sources in Kabul indicated that discussions are underway within the Taliban leadership to explore a middle path—potentially allowing TTP members to remain in Afghanistan under strict conditions, but prohibiting them from conducting attacks across the border.

Nevertheless, Pakistani officials view the divisions within the Taliban ranks as a major obstacle to meaningful progress. “It seems the Taliban are following someone else’s agenda,” one security source remarked, warning that such a course is “not in the interest of the stability of Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the wider region.”

Further advancement in the peace dialogue, officials concluded, now depends on “the positive attitude and practical cooperation” of the Afghan Taliban leadership.