Turkey Withdraws From Pakistan-Afghanistan Mediation Amid Escalating Tensions

Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 09:26 IST

Turkey has formally conveyed to Islamabad that Afghanistan is unwilling to accommodate Pakistan’s core security demands, leading Ankara to step back from further mediation efforts.

Multiple rounds of talks facilitated by Turkey, along with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have remained inconclusive, with Kabul firmly rejecting what it described as Pakistan’s “illegitimate” conditions for a broader peace settlement. (AP File)

Turkey has withdrawn its mediation role in the worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict after repeated diplomatic efforts failed to bridge deep-rooted differences between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban, according to top security and diplomatic sources.

Multiple rounds of talks facilitated by Turkey, along with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have remained inconclusive, with Kabul firmly rejecting what it described as Pakistan’s “illegitimate" conditions for a broader peace settlement. Turkish officials have formally conveyed to Islamabad that Afghanistan is unwilling to accommodate Pakistan’s core security demands, leading Ankara to step back from further mediation efforts.

At the heart of the deadlock are Pakistan’s demands that the Afghan Taliban hand over hardcore Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, establish a 5-kilometre buffer zone along the Durand Line, impose strict scrutiny on Afghan transit trade and goods movement, recognise Islamabad’s security primacy over Kabul, and immediately repatriate Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Afghan authorities have categorically dismissed these demands, arguing that they undermine Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Sources familiar with the talks said the Afghan Taliban conveyed to Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia that Kabul cannot accept pressure-driven arrangements. Despite Turkey’s sustained diplomatic backing, Pakistan failed to secure any written guarantees from the Afghan Taliban during the mediation process.

Diplomatic fault lines have also emerged among mediators. Senior Pakistani diplomats have conveyed growing distrust toward Qatar, alleging that Doha has increasingly favoured the Afghan Taliban’s position. Saudi Arabia, according to sources, is now seen by Islamabad as the last viable channel for de-escalation and dialogue between the two neighbours.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has hardened its stance. Security sources warn that Islamabad has clearly communicated to Istanbul that any major terrorist attack originating from Afghan soil and targeting Pakistan will be treated as Kabul’s responsibility. Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to protect its citizens, sovereignty and national interests “by all means necessary".

According to top security sources, Islamabad has conveyed an unambiguous message: if cross-border terrorism is not halted, Pakistan is prepared to carry out strikes inside Afghanistan. The warning marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric and signals a shift from diplomacy towards potential military action.

News world Turkey Withdraws From Pakistan-Afghanistan Mediation Amid Escalating Tensions

Read More