Pakistan Defence Minister Warns Afghanistan of ‘Open War’ if Peace Talks Fail
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning to Afghanistan, threatening “open war” if ongoing peace negotiations in Istanbul fail to produce an agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan threatens “open war” if Istanbul peace talks with Afghanistan fail
- Second round of negotiations currently underway in Turkey
- Tensions escalated after cross-border airstrikes and retaliatory attacks
- Pakistan claims to have averted suicide attack in border region
“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” Asif stated on Saturday. However, he added, “But I saw that they want peace.”
Background of Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
Tensions between the neighboring nations escalated dramatically after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan of harboring TTP terrorists, allegations that Kabul denies.
Afghanistan responded with retaliatory strikes, claiming to have neutralized over 50 Pakistani troops and captured multiple border posts. The conflict intensified along the Durand Line, resulting in the tragic deaths of three Afghan cricketers. This incident prompted the Taliban government to cancel a planned tri-series cricket tournament involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Qatar-Brokered Peace Agreement
With neither side willing to back down, Qatar and Turkey intervened to mediate the dispute. The two countries signed a peace treaty in Doha that established an immediate ceasefire and created mechanisms for lasting peace.
“During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries,” said Qatar’s foreign ministry in a statement.
The current second round of talks in Istanbul began on Saturday and is scheduled to continue through Sunday.
Security Incident in Border Region
In a related development, Pakistani forces reported averting a potential suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, neutralizing three terrorists. The border region has been a flashpoint in ongoing tensions.
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces prevented a “potential catastrophic attack” in the Jhallar area. The terrorists belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij and were planning a vehicle-borne suicide attack.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue in Istanbul to prevent further escalation between the two nations.
