Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar said on X (formerly Twitter) that Pakistan appreciated the mediation by Turkey and Qatar but stood firm on its principled position that the Afghan interim government must control terrorist activities originating from its soil.

He emphasized that Afghan Taliban had failed to meet their international, regional, and bilateral obligations under the 2021 Doha Peace Agreement. Tarar reaffirmed that Pakistan held goodwill toward the Afghan people and continued to hope for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

The minister added that Pakistan would not support any actions by the Taliban government that went against the interests of Afghan citizens or neighboring countries. He asserted that Pakistan would continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its people and sovereignty.

The third round of Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations began in Istanbul, led by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik.

Earlier rounds, also facilitated by Turkey and Qatar, had resulted in a temporary ceasefire, but deep disagreements persisted over border security and militant activity.