ISTANBUL – Despite a recently agreed-upon ceasefire, tensions remain high between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Pakistani Defense Minister has now issued a stark threat of “open war” should ongoing negotiations with Afghanistan’s Taliban government fail.
The warning came from Khawaja Muhammad Asif during a televised address on Saturday. “If no agreement is reached, we have the option of an open war with them,” he stated. However, he also struck a cautiously optimistic note, adding, “But I have seen that they want peace.” Asif confirmed that a ceasefire brokered just days earlier in Doha is currently being observed by both sides.
The talks in Istanbul, which began on Saturday and are set to continue, represent the latest diplomatic effort to de-escalate the violent border clashes and transform the temporary truce into a lasting peace agreement.
Background: A Recent Escalation
These high-stakes negotiations follow the most severe cross-border fighting since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The conflict erupted after Pakistan demanded that the Afghan Taliban take decisive action against militant groups, notably the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which launch attacks on Pakistani soil from safe havens inside Afghanistan.
In response to what it perceived as inaction, Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes inside Afghan territory. This triggered intense artillery and small-arms fire exchanges along the border, resulting in dozens of casualties and prompting both nations to close key border crossings vital for trade and transit.
A Deep-Seated Dispute
The core of the dispute lies in Pakistan’s long-standing accusation that Afghanistan harbors and provides sanctuary for extremist groups targeting its security. The Taliban government vehemently denies these claims, countering that Pakistan’s military incursions, including the recent airstrikes, are a blatant violation of Afghan sovereignty and a breach of international norms.
The outcome of the Istanbul talks is being closely watched, as a failure could plunge the region into a deeper and more direct military confrontation.
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