Pakistan commits to dialogue despite Afghan talks ending

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to “dialogue” with Afghanistan, even as peace talks concluded amid cross-border violence, with the federal government stressing the Afghan Taliban to address its core security concerns.

Top officials of both Pakistan and Afghanistan met in Istanbul to reaffirm on the ceasefire deal to which both sides agreed on Oct 19 in Qatar, however, the third round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded without a clear follow-up on the Oct-19 truce.

“Dialogue is the only way forward and Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences but its core concern –cross-border terrorism— must end first.”

Islamabad says that Kabul is harboring militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which regularly claims deadly attacks in Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban deny providing shelter to the group. The foreign ministry added that the Taliban “avoided taking measures on the ground and tried to back out of commitments made during the first round of talks.”

The Afghan Taliban on Saturday said their ceasefire with Pakistan would remain in place, even after the latest talks in Istanbul failed to reach an agreement.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid criticised Islamabad for an “irresponsible and uncooperative” approach, saying the Pakistani side had attempted to shift all security responsibility onto Afghanistan while showing no willingness to address either country’s security.

Mujahid said that the ceasefire “will hold” despite the collapse of negotiations. “There is no issue with the ceasefire previously agreed upon with Pakistan, it will hold,” he said during a news conference.

Pakistan has also said that Afghanistan is acting with Indian support amid growing Kabul-New Delhi ties. Afghanistan, in turn, demands respect for its sovereignty and accuses Pakistan of backing armed groups against it.

Both sides have warned of a resumption of hostilities, after last month’s clashes left more than 70 people dead and hundreds wounded. The talks were further strained on Friday after each side blamed the other for border fighting in Spin Boldak, where five people were reportedly killed.