Islamabad: The latest round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough, leaving tensions simmering along their volatile border despite recent efforts to reach a lasting truce.

The three-day negotiations, which began on October 25 and were mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed to transform a temporary ceasefire agreed earlier in Doha into a longer-term peace mechanism. However, both sides failed to reach a concrete understanding, with mutual accusations and deep mistrust continuing to overshadow the discussions.

Pakistan has demanded that the Taliban-led government in Kabul prevent militant groups, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), from using Afghan soil to launch attacks across the border. Afghan representatives rejected the claim, insisting that their government does not harbor militants and has acted responsibly to secure the frontier. They also called on Islamabad to respect Afghan sovereignty and stop cross-border airstrikes.

Despite the talks, clashes were reported in border regions during the same period. Pakistani military officials said that several of their soldiers were killed in attacks from militants who crossed over from Afghan territory. Afghanistan has denied any role in the incidents.

Tensions escalated further when Pakistan’s Defence Minister warned that his country could consider “open war” if diplomatic efforts failed. The strong statement reflected Islamabad’s frustration over what it sees as Afghanistan’s reluctance to act against the TTP, a group that has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly attacks in Pakistan this year.

Afghan state media, however, presented a more optimistic picture, suggesting that progress was made on several points and hinting that a joint statement could still emerge in the coming days.

The strained relationship between the two countries has been a source of instability for years. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has accused Kabul of failing to control militant networks, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of violating its airspace and interfering in its domestic affairs.

Regional powers including Qatar and Turkey have played active roles in facilitating dialogue, but diplomats say trust between the two sides remains fragile. Analysts warn that if the peace process collapses, renewed conflict could displace thousands of civilians, disrupt trade routes, and deepen the humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border.

For now, the Istanbul talks have ended without a resolution, leaving the future of the fragile ceasefire uncertain and the region bracing for what may come next.