Afghan–Pakistan Peace Talks Break Down Over Security Demands

Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan collapsed after Islamabad demanded Kabul control cross-border militants, a condition the Taliban called “beyond capacity.”

Published On: 09 November 2025 | 09:40 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published By: Mr. Dibakar Mandal

Introduction

The Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks, which many international observers viewed as a key effort to stabilize security in South and Central Asia, have collapsed once again following a major disagreement between Kabul and Islamabad. According to diplomatic sources, talks broke down when Pakistan demanded that Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government take full responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security concerns, including restraining and controlling militant networks operating across the border. Afghan officials reportedly rejected the demand as “unrealistic” and “beyond capacity,” leading to the suspension of negotiation channels.

The failure of the Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks has heightened concerns among global stakeholders, including the United Nations and regional bodies, about rising instability along the lengthy mountainous border between the two nations. Over the past two years, Pakistan has blamed the Afghan Taliban administration for allowing armed fighters belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other insurgent groups to use Afghan territory as a base for organizing attacks on Pakistani soil. The Taliban government in Kabul, however, has insisted that it does not provide support to militant organizations and has repeatedly called on Pakistan to resolve its internal problems through political dialogue rather than military force.

The diplomatic fallout comes during a period of heightened tensions. Pakistan has recorded an increase in attacks targeting its police, military, and civilians, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad claims that many attackers retreat across the Afghan border after carrying out operations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, struggling with economic isolation and international sanctions, argues that it lacks the financial, logistical, and intelligence capability to monitor every militant movement in its territory.

The international community has been urging both nations to maintain open communication. Organizations such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and observers from global agencies including BBC World News and Reuters have documented the cyclical nature of conflict along the frontier, tracing roots to decades of political distrust, ethnic movements, and power contests involving regional alliances.

With peace talks now suspended, the future of border security cooperation remains uncertain. Analysts warn that the collapse of the negotiations may lead to intensified military operations, worsening humanitarian conditions, and further disruptions to trade and civilian travel between the two neighboring states.

The situation is developing, and diplomatic efforts to salvage dialogue continue. However, the collapse of the Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks marks a serious setback in regional stability at a time when both countries face deep domestic and geopolitical pressures.

Background Section

The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been historically complex. Since the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, both countries have influenced political and military developments across each other’s borders. Pakistan has played a major role in supporting Afghan factions during various phases of conflict, including the rise of the Taliban movement in the 1990s. After the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Pakistan and Afghanistan developed competing narratives regarding terrorism, national sovereignty, and border control.

The situation changed dramatically after August 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of NATO-led forces. The new Taliban administration has sought international recognition, economic assistance, and the removal of sanctions. Pakistan initially welcomed the Taliban’s return, believing it might lead to improved coordination on border security and counterterrorism. However, this expectation was short-lived.

Pakistan soon reported an increase in attacks attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group ideologically linked to the Afghan Taliban but focused on overthrowing the Pakistani state. Pakistan accuses Kabul of allowing TTP leadership to operate and reorganize under its protection. Afghanistan denies these claims, stating that it mediates discussions but does not control ideological or operational alignment among militants.

Previous Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks have been facilitated by various international partners, including Qatar, China, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, mistrust has repeatedly disrupted progress. Border clashes, mutual accusations, refugee disputes, and economic tensions have increased friction.

The latest collapse highlights persistent structural challenges — Afghanistan’s governance struggles, Pakistan’s internal security pressures, and broader geopolitical influence from global powers who maintain strategic stakes in the region.

Pakistan’s Security Concerns and Demands

Pakistan’s central demand during the talks was that:

• The Afghan government prevent cross-border militant movement
• Dismantle suspected TTP safe havens
• Extradite or neutralize known militant leaders operating inside Afghanistan
• Accept responsibility for any cross-border attacks originating from Afghan territory

Islamabad argued that the failure to address these issues threatens Pakistani sovereignty and civilian safety.

However, Afghan officials responded by stating:

• Afghanistan cannot act as Pakistan’s internal security force
• Pakistan needs political reconciliation with armed groups
• Military pressure alone will not resolve deep-rooted ideological conflicts
• Kabul cannot guarantee total border control given terrain and resource limitations

This disagreement led to the breakdown.

Afghanistan’s Position and Appeal for Mutual Respect

The Taliban administration insists:

• It is committed to preventing foreign attacks from its soil
• The responsibility for Pakistan’s internal insurgency lies within Pakistan’s political system
• Diplomatic pressure backed by threats undermines trust
• Pashtun border populations have shared tribal ties that require cultural, not military, solutions

Kabul also asked Pakistan to ease trade restrictions and reopen border crossings critical to Afghan food and medical imports.

Border Clashes and Crossings Closure

Recent months saw:

• Temporary shutdowns of the Torkham and Chaman border gates
• Disruptions to commercial trade
• Delays in humanitarian aid shipments
• Increased military fortification along the Durand Line

These developments have strained communities that rely on cross-border movement.

Regional and International Reactions

United Nations (UN):
Called for restraint and renewed dialogue
(Source: https://www.un.org/press/en)

BBC Analysis:
BBC correspondents note rising mutual distrust complicates counterterrorism cooperation.
(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news)

Reuters Reporting:
Reuters highlights the risk of renewed border escalation affecting civilian life.
(Source: https://www.reuters.com)

UNICEF Humanitarian Notes:
UNICEF reports worsening conditions for Afghan civilians due to border restrictions.
(Source: https://www.unicef.org)

UNHCR:
Expresses concern over refugee deportations and displacement pressures.
(Source: https://www.unhcr.org)

Conclusion

The collapse of the Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks marks another setback in decades of attempted conflict resolution. Without a sustainable framework rooted in mutual trust and shared responsibility, border tensions may escalate. Experts believe that any long-term settlement will require:

• Political negotiation within Pakistan to address militant grievances
• Capacity-building support for Afghanistan to strengthen border surveillance
• Regional diplomatic mediation involving neutral states

The path forward remains uncertain, but dialogue remains the only viable path to preventing further violence and humanitarian deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why did the peace talks collapse?
The talks collapsed after Pakistan demanded that Afghanistan take responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security issues and restrain TTP militants. Afghanistan rejected the demand as unrealistic and beyond its administrative capacity.

2. What role does the TTP play in the dispute?
The TTP operates primarily against Pakistan but is believed by Islamabad to have safe havens inside Afghanistan. Kabul denies supporting the group but acknowledges ideological similarities with its leadership.

3. How does the collapse impact civilians?
Border closures and increased militarization affect trade, health supplies, and refugee movement, worsening humanitarian conditions on both sides of the border.

4. Is international mediation possible?
Yes. Organizations like the UN and OIC may attempt to revive dialogue, but success depends on political willingness from both sides.

5. Are tensions expected to increase?
Analysts warn of possible escalation if diplomatic engagement remains suspended. However, both governments face domestic pressures to avoid prolonged conflict.