Tensions Deepen Between Islamabad and Taliban as Diplomatic Efforts Falter

Bareen Media – Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban are facing another sharp deterioration, with a senior Pakistani official saying a return to normal diplomatic ties is becoming increasingly difficult.

The official, cited by The Express Tribune, said Islamabad believes the Taliban have not done enough to address Pakistan’s security concerns and warned that tensions could increase further.

The latest strain comes despite recent mediation efforts by Türkiye and Qatar. Senior officials from both countries travelled to Kabul and Islamabad in an attempt to ease tensions and reopen channels of communication.

According to the report, the situation worsened following a deadly attack in Kohat, after which Pakistan linked one of the attackers to Afghanistan and carried out strikes against alleged militant and drone-related sites inside Afghanistan. Taliban authorities responded with allegations of their own, while Pakistan continued to raise security concerns.

Pakistan has also submitted a formal protest to the Taliban over recent cross-border attacks. At the same time, tensions along parts of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have continued to grow.

The Pakistani official said the relationship had reached what he described as a “point of no return,” reflecting the seriousness of the current dispute between the two sides.