Pakistan tables evidence-based demands in Istanbul talks with Taliban

Pakistan has handed mediators Turkiye and Qatar a set of ?evidence-based, justified and logical? demands aimed at halting cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said at a weekly briefing.

According to the spokesperson, the mediators are discussing the proposals point by point with the Taliban side. He dismissed claims circulating on social media about the process as speculation or disinformation and urged focus on the formal channel.

The briefing came as the third round of Pakistan?Taliban talks continued in Istanbul following earlier engagements marked by flare-ups along the border. A previous five-day round ended with an interim understanding to maintain a ceasefire and to work toward a monitoring and verification mechanism.

Islamabad also rebutted Kabul?s version of a recent exchange of fire at the Chaman crossing, saying Afghan forces initiated the incident and that Pakistani troops responded in a measured manner while the ceasefire remained intact. Pakistan reiterated it seeks a resolution through dialogue but expects reciprocity and seriousness from the Afghan authorities.