Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul failed after four days. Pakistan claimed that India was behind the failure, but reports show the real reason was a secret deal between Pakistan and the United States allowing US drone operations from Pakistani soil.
What Happened:
Afghan negotiators asked Pakistan to stop violating Afghan airspace and to ban foreign drone flights over Afghanistan. In return, Afghanistan promised to stop anti-Pakistan militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from working near the border.
However, during the talks, Pakistan admitted that a foreign country (later confirmed to be the US) was using its land to launch drone operations. Pakistan said it could not cancel that agreement.
The Turning Point:
At first, Pakistan’s team seemed ready to agree to Afghanistan’s terms. But after receiving a *phone call—believed to be from top Pakistani authorities—*the delegation changed its position and said it had no control over the drone activities. This sudden shift surprised Qatari and Turkish mediators at the meeting.
Blaming India:
After the talks failed, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif blamed India, claiming that New Delhi was influencing the Afghan side. But Afghan media pointed out that Pakistan’s stance changed only after the phone call about the US drone deal.
Tensions at the Border:
The talks collapsed even as a fragile ceasefire continues along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border (Durand Line). Recent border clashes have killed over 200 people. The Taliban accuse Pakistan of air and drone strikes that killed civilians.
Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid warned.
