Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail in Türkiye
Afghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghan-Pakistani 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 two more 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 Foreign Affairs and security agencies. The Afghan Taliban delegation included six officials.
During the talks, Pakistan presented its “clear and firm position” on the threat posed by the Fitna al Khwarij terror group and other terrorist organizations operating in the region, sources added. The discussions focused on strengthening security coordination, improving border cooperation and formulating a common strategy to promote peace and stability in the region.
Sources familiar with the matter said the objective of the negotiations is to establish consensus on mechanisms that would help address cross-border security challenges and prevent terrorist activities. Further deliberations are expected to take place over the next two days, as the two sides seek common ground on key security issues.
Asif warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
Separately, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday he believed Afghanistan wanted peace, but that the failure of negotiations in Istanbul would mean “open war”, days after the two sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes.
He said there had been no incidents in the four to five days since the agreement and that both sides were respecting the truce.
“We have the possibility, if no agreement is reached, to enter into open war with them,” he said in a televised address from Pakistan. “But I saw that they wanted peace.”
