Asim Munir and ErdoğanImage Credit source: Mustafa Kamaci/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A new controversy has arisen in the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks mediated by Türkiye and Qatar. Reliable sources claim that the head of Türkiye’s intelligence agency has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir. The reason is the behavior of the Pakistani military delegation during the talks held in Ankara.

According to sources, this team was selected entirely on the choice of General Munir. Both Türkiye and Qatar had prepared the table for talks, so that the recent tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be reduced. But Turkey was unhappy with the behavior of Pakistani representatives during the talks.

What happened in the meeting that upset Turkey?

According to media reports, Pakistani representatives made illogical demands during the talks, many times ignored the mediators and did not follow diplomatic etiquette. It is being said that this behavior harmed the entire process and set back Türkiye’s efforts.

Turkish intelligence chief expressed strong displeasure

According to reports, the head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Agency (MIT) considered this attitude a direct insult. Sources say that he has given a clear message to the Pakistani military leadership that if there is no mutual respect then cooperation will not work. After this, Turkey has reduced its direct involvement in Pakistan’s military system. In recent weeks, backdoor talks between the two sides are also said to be almost at a standstill.

Impact on regional politics?

Pakistan has been calling Turkey its strategic partner for a long time. When there was a conflict between India and Pakistan for a few days in the month of May this year, Turkey openly supported Pakistan. Even in the case of Afghanistan, Ankara has often played the role of mediator. But this incident has raised questions like sourness in Turkey-Pakistan military coordination, lack of trust on the Afghan issue, and new uncertainty in regional diplomacy.