Speaking to media, Defense Minister Khwaja Asif confirmed that although formal negotiations have not restarted, Pakistan’s delegation remains in Istanbul.

“Discussions could still restart,” he said, if Turkiye and Qatar, both mediating countries will succeed in convincing Kabul to change its approach.

Asif reiterated Islamabad’s key demand, Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for terror attacks against Pakistan.

“Our stance is clear,” he said. “They must guarantee that their land will not be used against us, and they will not support such activities.”

He acknowledged that no breakthrough had been achieved yet but credited Turkiye and Qatar for continuing efforts to salvage the process.

“Our delegation was at the airport to return when the mediators requested ‘one more chance’,” Asif shared.

Sources confirmed that Pakistan agreed to extend its stay in Istanbul after assurances from the mediators.

However, the talks will now hinge on Kabul taking “clear, verifiable and effective action” against terrorist networks operating from its soil.

The recent collapse of dialogue follows weeks of rising tension along the Pak-Afghan border, marked by exchange of fire, accusations, and warnings from both sides.

Islamabad insists that patience is thinning, and future tolerance for cross-border terrorism will be limited.

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Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar admitted that the Istanbul round failed to produce a “workable solution,” but defense officials maintain that “giving peace another chance” is worth pursuing despite deep mistrust.

The first phase of these discussions, held in Doha in mid-October, had temporarily cooled tensions by securing a 48-hour ceasefire. Yet, the fragile calm was quickly shattered by renewed clashes and Islamabad’s retaliatory strikes on militant camps across the border.