Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Riyadh end without breakthrough
A discreet round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh failed to produce any progress. with both sides holding firmly to their long-standing positions amid rising security and diplomatic friction.
The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Arabia late Sunday night, was the latest attempt to ease tensions following deadly border clashes in October and Islamabad’s repeated demand for action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
The Afghan Taliban delegation was led by senior figures Anas Haqqani and Rahmatullah Najib, while Pakistan’s team included officials previously involved in the Istanbul discussions under the Turkiye-Qatar initiative, alongside a representative from the Foreign Office. Unlike earlier rounds held in Doha or Istanbul, the Riyadh talks were notably short. described by one diplomat as “an exchange, not a negotiation,” underscoring the widening trust deficit between the neighbours.
Islamabad reiterated its demand that Kabul take verifiable and immediate action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other groups Pakistan says are orchestrating cross-border attacks from Afghan territory. The Taliban side, however, maintained its long-held refusal to conduct unilateral operations against these groups, insisting that the security challenges stem from Pakistan’s internal political dynamics.
Saudi Arabia, eager to assert a stabilising diplomatic role in the region, urged both sides to keep channels open and encouraged Pakistan to consider restoring bilateral trade even as counterterrorism talks continue. Islamabad rejected the suggestion, arguing that trade cannot resume without security assurances from Kabul.
The Riyadh meeting came at a time when the Turkiye-Qatar mediation track remains stalled. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had earlier indicated plans to send a delegation to Islamabad, but the visit has yet to materialise. The earlier process had resulted in a fragile ceasefire, which Pakistan says collapsed due to continued militant activity.
Saudi officials are expected to pursue another round of talks in hopes of preventing further deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
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