The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban has collapsed in Istanbul, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirming that discussions have ended without any breakthrough.

Sources told CNN-News18 that Asif said the Taliban regime “is not providing written guarantees" to curb cross-border terrorism and added that mediators involved in the process are now “fed up" with the stalemate.

“The talks have failed in Istanbul," Asif said, adding that he does not believe “another round of mediation will happen soon."

He further accused the Taliban of not being serious about tackling terrorism in the region, asserting that Islamabad “will continue to exercise all options necessary to safeguard the security of its people and sovereignty."

The failed negotiati

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