Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks Collapse as Security Blame Game Escalates

The latest round of peace talks between the Afghan Taliban government and Pakistan in Turkey has failed, with both sides publicly blaming the other.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the outcome was due to the Pakistani delegation's "irresponsible and uncooperative attitude," accusing Islamabad of trying to shift all responsibility for its security onto Kabul.

Pakistan, through its Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, had earlier hinted at the failure, asserting that the onus lies squarely on Afghanistan to "fulfil pledges to clamp down on terrorism," which it claims Kabul has failed to do. Tarar confirmed Pakistan would continue to "exercise all options necessary to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty."

The discussions were held in Istanbul to finalize a truce previously agreed upon in Qatar following deadly border clashes between the South Asian neighbours.