Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that while Afghanistan appears to desire peace, failure to reach an agreement in the ongoing talks in Istanbul could lead to “open war.” His remarks came days after both countries agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes.
The talks, which began on Saturday and are expected to conclude on Sunday, are the latest attempt by Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent further violence after the worst border fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul. The discussions aim to establish a long-term mechanism to uphold the Doha ceasefire.
Khawaja Asif said there had been no incidents in the four to five days since the truce was implemented, with both sides adhering to it.
“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” he said in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”
The recent clashes erupted after Islamabad accused the Taliban of sheltering militants who have been carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. In response, Pakistan launched cross-border airstrikes, sparking heavy exchanges of fire that killed dozens and led to the closure of key crossings, which remain shut.
(With agency inputs)
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