Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which are being held in Istanbul, failed to produce an agreement on their third day - October 27, the Associated Press reports, News.bg reports.
The talks took place a day after US President Donald Trump promised to resolve the crisis between the two countries “very quickly”. However, tensions along the border remain high after recent skirmishes that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides.
Qatar had earlier hosted the first round of talks that led to a temporary ceasefire on October 19 between Islamabad and Kabul.
Lack of progress in Istanbul
According to Afghan media, the Taliban government's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that the talks in Istanbul were still ongoing, with no results. Pakistani officials also confirmed that the dialogue had not been suspended.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani army said it had killed 25 militants while "repelling two major infiltration attempts" along the border, even as the delegations were meeting in Turkey. Five Pakistani soldiers were killed in the fighting.
The casualty figures cannot be independently verified because the area is remote and inaccessible to the media.
Political context and US mediation
Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of allowing its fighters to use Afghan territory for cross-border attacks - allegations that Kabul strongly denies.
The latest round of talks in Istanbul were brokered by Qatar and under the auspices of the Turkish government, with the aim of achieving a lasting ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Pakistan nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize after the US president helped resolve the crisis with India earlier this year. The conflict then erupted after the killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir and ended thanks to US diplomatic efforts that led to a ceasefire.
A joint statement from the delegations in Istanbul was expected before midnight on Friday, but none was made, official sources said.