Turkey Quits Afghanistan Mediation, Leaves Pakistan Isolated Amid Rising Tensions

• Turkey has withdrawn from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan, citing Kabul's unwillingness to accept Islamabad's "coercive" demands.
• Pakistan's core demands include the handover of TTP militants, a 5km buffer zone along the Durand Line, strict trade scrutiny, and refugee repatriation.
• Afghan authorities rejected these demands, stating they undermine Afghanistan's sovereignty and are pressure-driven.
• Pakistan now views Saudi Arabia as the last viable diplomatic channel, expressing distrust towards Qatar for leaning towards the Afghan Taliban.
• Islamabad has hardened its stance, warning of potential strikes inside Afghanistan if cross-border terrorism continues, escalating the conflict.

Why It Matters: Turkey's exit leaves Pakistan isolated, escalating tensions with Afghanistan over unmet demands and threats of military action.