Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warns of “open war” with Afghanistan if peace talks in Turkiye fail
Afghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan on October 15. Photo: Reuters
The second round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded in Türkiye and discussions are expected to continue for another two days.
The dialogue, considered crucial given recent tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, was facilitated by the Turkish government.
According to sources, the Pakistani delegation consisted of seven members, including representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs and security agencies. The Afghan Taliban delegation included six officials.
During the talks, Pakistan presented its “clear and firm stance” on the threat posed by the Fitna al Khwarij terrorist group and other terrorist organizations operating in the region, the sources added. Discussions focused on enhancing security coordination, enhancing border cooperation and formulating a joint strategy to promote peace and stability in the region.
Sources familiar with the matter said the goal of the negotiations is to establish consensus on mechanisms that would help address cross-border security challenges and prevent terrorist activity. Further deliberations are expected to take place over the next two days as both sides seek common ground on key security issues.
Asif warns of “open war” with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Saturday that he believes Afghanistan wants peace but that failure to reach a deal during talks in Istanbul would mean “open war,” days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes.
He said there had been no incidents in the four or five days since it was agreed and that both sides were honoring the truce.
“We have the option of, if an agreement is not reached, to have an open war with them,” he said in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”
