ISLAMABAD: During high-level talks held in Istanbul, the Pakistani delegation presented a firm and final stance to the Afghan Taliban delegation, making it clear that Pakistan will not accept the Taliban’s continued patronage of terrorist groups, according to security sources.

The sources said Pakistan had categorically conveyed that concrete and verifiable actions must be taken to end such support networks. In contrast, they noted, the Taliban’s arguments were illogical and detached from ground realities, suggesting that the group appeared to be pursuing a different agenda — one that is not in the interest of stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the wider region.

According to the security sources, further progress in the dialogue now depends on the Taliban’s positive and constructive response. Pakistan’s demands, they stressed, are clear, evidence-based, and aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the issue of cross-border terrorism.

The sources added that the Taliban’s rigidity, lack of seriousness, and unwillingness to cooperate have become evident not only to Pakistan but also to other parties, including the host nation.

Pakistan’s delegation reiterated that there can be no compromise on its core counterterrorism concerns, the sources said, emphasizing that the talks will only move forward if the Taliban acknowledge the facts on the ground and demonstrate genuine cooperation.

Security officials also confirmed that the host country continues to make diplomatic efforts to encourage the Taliban delegation to understand the situation pragmatically so that the talks can produce tangible and constructive results.