Taliban’s Arguments in Istanbul Talks Are ‘Illogical’

The plan emphasizes “non-violation of Afghanistan’s soil and airspace” and preventing the use of Pakistani soil by Taliban opponents, referring to ISIS.

The Taliban claim that the Pakistani government has established bases for ISIS on its soil and is using them against the group.

Peace talks between the Taliban and Pakistan began on Mizan 27 in Doha, the capital of Qatar. After an agreement on an immediate ceasefire, the second round of these talks began on Aqrab 3 in Istanbul and continues.

Pakistani media, quoting their security sources, reported that on the second day of these talks, Islamabad’s final position was presented to the Taliban, and the group was asked to take “tangible and decisive measures” to “root out terrorism.”

Geo News, quoting these sources, wrote that apparently the Taliban are looking for a different agenda that “is not in the interest of the stability of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the entire region.” These sources emphasized that progress in the negotiations depends on the Taliban’s attitude towards the negotiations.

These sources did not explain what part of the Taliban’s plan was illogical and unrealistic for the Pakistani delegation.

Previously, the Taliban administration had asked Islamabad to negotiate with the TTP and described the demands of this group, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the United States, as logical. However, Islamabad continues to insist on not negotiating with the TTP and says that it will solve this threat through military pressure, including on the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.

Pakistan presented a plan to combat terrorism and prevent militant attacks from Afghan soil to the Taliban delegation on the first day of these talks. However, the Taliban have repeatedly denied the presence of Pakistani militants in Afghanistan and their attacks on Pakistan.