Qatar, Nov. 8 -- The latest round of Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks in Istanbul has collapsed without agreement, deepening mistrust between the two neighbours and highlighting Islamabad's duplicity in addressing cross-border tensions. The two-day dialogue (November 6-7), mediated by Turkey and Qatar, ended with the Taliban accusing Pakistan of evasion and blame-shifting.

In a strongly worded statement released on November 8, Islamic Emirate spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid thanked Ankara and Doha for their mediation but condemned Pakistan's "irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude." The Taliban said Pakistan sought to transfer all security responsibilities to Afghanistan while refusing to accept accountability for its own internal in...