Peace negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have collapsed, despite an ongoing ceasefire between the two nations, as confirmed by a Taliban spokesperson on Saturday. Zabihullah Mujahid attributed the breakdown to Pakistan’s insistence that Afghanistan take responsibility for Islamabad’s internal security, a demand he deemed beyond Afghanistan’s capabilities. However, Mujahid emphasized that the ceasefire remains intact and has not been violated by the Taliban. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif echoed this sentiment, stating that the talks in Istanbul aimed at preventing border clashes had failed, but the ceasefire would persist unless attacks originated from Afghan territory. The recent collapse of negotiations follows a brief exchange of fire between Afghan and Pakistani troops along their shared border on Thursday, coinciding with the resumption of talks in Istanbul. Last month, the two militaries engaged in their deadliest clashes since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, resulting in dozens of casualties. Although both sides signed a ceasefire in Doha in October, a second round of negotiations in Istanbul failed to produce a long-term agreement due to disagreements over militant groups operating within Afghanistan that are hostile to Pakistan. Historically, Pakistan and the Taliban maintained close ties, but relations have significantly deteriorated in recent years. The October clashes were preceded by Pakistani airstrikes targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban in Kabul and other locations.