On Wednesday, Pakistan announced the failure of negotiations with Afghanistan to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement, affirming that it will take necessary steps to protect its citizens.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated in a post on the platform "X" that "the Afghan side provided no guarantees, repeatedly deviated from the core issue, and resorted to blame-shifting and stalling tactics," adding that "the dialogue failed to produce any practical solution."
These remarks came after four days of negotiations hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, under the sponsorship of Qatar and Turkey.
Intense clashes erupted last week along the Durand Line, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which Kabul does not officially recognize.
The conflict flared after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of "violating its airspace and launching airstrikes on Afghan territory." In response, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense announced it had successfully carried out a "retaliatory operation" against Pakistan.
Fighting resumed on October 15, and following the airstrikes, Afghanistan placed its security forces on high alert along the Durand Line.