Overview
- Pakistan’s defence minister said the third Istanbul round ended with no agreement and no plan for a fourth session, calling the talks “over.”
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office accused the Taliban of avoiding on‑ground steps against militant groups and reiterated the need for written guarantees and a joint monitoring mechanism.
- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid blamed Islamabad for the breakdown, described the demands as beyond Kabul’s capacity, and warned that Afghanistan has the right to self‑defence if war breaks out.
- The Oct. 19 ceasefire brokered by Qatar remains in place but fragile, with sporadic border clashes and disputed casualty claims; Pakistan says the truce holds unless violated from the Afghan side.
- Turkey plans to send its foreign and defence ministers and intelligence chief to Pakistan this week to discuss the stalled process, according to Reuters and an official Turkish readout.