Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that an ‘open war’ with Afghanistan could erupt if the ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail. However, he expressed optimism that Afghanistan desires peace. The two-day talks began on Saturday (October 25) in Istanbul, Turkey, reports Reuters.
Following recent deadly border clashes, both countries agreed to a ceasefire. The purpose of the meeting is to establish a long-term mechanism under the Doha Agreement to sustain the truce.
Asif stated that no clashes have occurred in the past four to five days and both sides have respected the ceasefire. He said, “We have two paths ahead—open war if talks collapse, but I believe they want peace.”
The border conflict erupted earlier this month when Islamabad accused the Taliban government of failing to curb militants launching attacks into Pakistan from Afghan soil. In response, Pakistan carried out airstrikes across the border, leading to heavy exchanges of fire that killed many. Key border points remain closed since the fighting.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring anti-Pakistan militants, while the Taliban denied the claims, calling Pakistan’s military actions a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Khabarwala/TSN
