Pak-Afghan peace dialogue hit an impasse in Istanbul

State media in both nations blame each other for the failure to reach a deal while efforts by Turkey were still underway to end the deadlock

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Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit an impasse in Istanbul after three days of negotiations, with state media in both countries on Tuesday blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal while efforts by Turkey were still underway to end the deadlock.

Delegations from the two neighbours remain in Turkey, but it was not immediately clear whether a fourth day of talks would be held.

Pakistan Television early on Tuesday reported that Turkish officials and several other countries are working to preserve the ceasefire agreed on Oct. 19 in Doha after the first round of negotiations. The agreement followed deadly cross-border clashes that killed dozens of soldiers, militants and civilians on both sides.

Three Pakistani security officials who had direct knowledge of the negotiations told media that there is a deadlock in the talks in Istanbul over the reluctance of Kabul in accepting what they described as Pakistan's logical and legitimate demands about assurances that Afghan soil not be used against Pakistan.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.