Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that he negotiated several agreements with the Taliban administration in Kabul, but was unable to implement any of them because Islamabad had not authorised him to make final decisions. Speaking in parliament, and quoted by TOLOnews, Dar said his visit to Afghanistan had been positive but ultimately meaningless due to the Pakistani government’s restrictions on his authority.Dar told lawmakers: “The meetings were very positive; I was warmly received. I didn’t leave the work unfinished there. I know our system does not allow me to make decisions. I wanted to return and implement all that was agreed upon, but the system doesn’t allow it.”His admission highlights growing institutional disarray in Islamabad as the government struggles to manage one of Pakistan’s most volatile diplomatic relationships. It also comes at a time when Pakistan and the Taliban are holding fresh talks to prevent a return to deadly border clashes.Ceasefire talks continue amid mistrustPakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Wednesday that a delegation had left for Istanbul to resume discussions with Taliban representatives. Asif told reporters the delegation would begin negotiations on Thursday, saying: “Let’s hope Afghanistan makes use of wisdom and peace is restored in the region.” He added that Pakistan’s demand remained unchanged — that Afghanistan “clamp down on attacks originating from its soil”.According to Dawn, the latest meetings follow days of heavy border hostilities and previously failed negotiations. A fragile ceasefire is currently in place and both sides agreed to three basic principles: continuation of the truce, a monitoring and verification mechanism, and penalties for any violations. Operational details are expected to be finalised in Istanbul.Despite this, mistrust remains deep. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of sheltering militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul accuses Pakistan of repeated violations of Afghan sovereignty. The Taliban also refuses to recognise the Durand Line, the internationally accepted boundary between the neighbours.Border closures in October caused significant economic losses, and more than 70 people were killed in recent clashes.
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