Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday warned that failure to reach an understanding in Istanbul talks could leave Pakistan and Afghanistan facing “open war,” despite signs that Kabul also seeks peace.
Senior officials from the two sides opened discussions in Istanbul on Saturday, expected to continue into Sunday, aiming to establish a longer-term system to enforce the Doha ceasefire. The truce was agreed days earlier after the deadliest bout of border fighting since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, reports Reuters.
Asif said the past four to five days have remained calm, with both sides adhering to the ceasefire. “We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” he said in televised comments, adding that he sensed a willingness for peace from Afghanistan.
This month’s clashes were triggered after Islamabad pressed the Taliban government to act against insurgents Pakistan claims are launching attacks from Afghan territory. Pakistan responded with cross-border airstrikes and heavy artillery fire was exchanged, leaving dozens dead and shutting major border crossings that remain closed.
Islamabad accuses the Taliban authorities of providing safe haven to groups targeting Pakistani forces. Kabul denies the allegation and insists Pakistani strikes breach Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
