ISLAMABAD: A brief but high-stakes round of unannounced talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Riyadh ended without progress, as both sides refused to shift from their entrenched positions, diplomatic sources told Dawn. The meeting, quietly facilitated by Saudi Arabia late on Sunday, was aimed at easing tensions following October’s border clashes and addressing Pakistan’s demand for action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
According to officials, the Afghan Taliban delegation was led by Anas Haqqani and Rahmatullah Najib, while the Pakistani side included officials who had earlier participated in Istanbul talks under the Turkiye-Qatar mediation track. An officer from the Foreign Office also joined the delegation.
Unlike the lengthier engagements held previously in Doha and Istanbul, the interaction in Riyadh was brief. One diplomatic source described it as “a short exchange rather than extended negotiations.”
Pakistan Reiterates Demands; Taliban Hold Firm
Sources said Pakistan firmly reiterated its position, calling on Kabul to take “concrete action” against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant outfits allegedly based in Afghanistan.
The Taliban representatives also stuck to their longstanding stance, resulting in no tangible progress.
Saudi Arabia Appeals for Trade Resumption — Pakistan Declines
Saudi officials, eager to keep channels open and prevent further deterioration, encouraged both sides to continue dialogue. Riyadh also appealed to Pakistan to consider allowing the resumption of bilateral trade while counterterrorism discussions continued.
Sources confirmed that Islamabad rejected the proposal, maintaining that any trade relaxation would undermine Pakistan’s security concerns unless Kabul demonstrated meaningful action against anti-Pakistan militants.
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Mediation Tracks Stall but Riyadh Remains Active
The Riyadh effort coincides with a stall in the Turkiye-Qatar mediation track, which had previously produced a fragile ceasefire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had indicated plans to send a delegation to Islamabad, but the visit has not taken place. The Foreign Office maintains that the earlier truce broke down because it was “contingent on a halt in terrorist activities.”
Saudi authorities facilitate talks quietly, Pakistan rejects appeal for bilateral trade resumption. https://t.co/KgTWhvrG7y
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 2, 2025
Despite the deadlock, sources say Saudi Arabia intends to remain engaged and may convene another round of talks in the near future, hoping to revive diplomatic momentum between the two neighbours.
