While the fragile ceasefire offers a brief respite, the Istanbul talks mark a decisive moment for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. A breakthrough could pave the way for a more structured border security mechanism and reduced militant activity; failure, however, risks plunging both nations into their most dangerous confrontation in years.
As Khawaja Asif cautioned, “We have an open war option — but I saw that they want peace.”
KARACHI, Oct 25 (Reuters) — Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday warned that failure to reach a peace agreement with Afghanistan in ongoing talks in Istanbul could lead to “open war,” even as he expressed hope that both nations were committed to preserving peace following days of deadly border clashes.
The comments came as senior Pakistani and Afghan delegations met in Istanbul for two-day talks aimed at consolidating a fragile ceasefire agreed earlier this week — the first since fierce cross-border fighting erupted earlier this month, leaving dozens dead and straining already tense ties between Islamabad and Kabul.
“The talks are meant to devise a mechanism to enforce the Doha ceasefire in the longer term,” officials said, referring to the temporary truce that has held for four to five days. “We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” Asif warned in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”
Background: Deadly Clashes and Rising Tensions
The recent flare-up — the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021 — began after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban government take decisive action against militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan claims these groups, particularly the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have intensified cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces.
In response, Pakistan carried out targeted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, prompting fierce retaliatory fire from Afghan forces. The confrontation forced the closure of key border crossings, disrupting trade and humanitarian movement and sparking fears of a wider conflict between the two neighbors.
While both countries have since observed the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Pakistan insisting that Kabul rein in militants and the Taliban rejecting accusations of harboring them. Kabul, in turn, accuses Islamabad of violating Afghan sovereignty through repeated military operations across the border.
Significance of the Istanbul Talks
The Istanbul negotiations — mediated with the support of regional partners including Türkiye — are seen as a critical test of diplomacy between the two uneasy neighbors. Analysts say the outcome could determine whether the region moves toward cooperation or descends into renewed instability.
For Pakistan, the stakes are particularly high. Prolonged conflict could not only threaten its border security but also derail its economic recovery and domestic counterterrorism campaign. For Afghanistan, already grappling with isolation and sanctions, open hostilities with Pakistan could further damage its fragile economy and regional standing.
By acknowledging that “Afghanistan wants peace,” Asif’s remarks suggest Islamabad still sees a diplomatic path forward, despite the gravity of his warning. The talks, observers say, reflect Pakistan’s preference for a negotiated mechanism to manage the frontier rather than an indefinite military standoff.
Regional Implications
The standoff has drawn concern from neighboring countries and international observers, who fear escalating tensions could destabilize the broader South and Central Asian region. With militant groups potentially exploiting border chaos, a breakdown in talks could undermine years of counterterrorism efforts.
Türkiye’s role as host underscores Ankara’s growing diplomatic engagement in South Asian security issues, leveraging its ties with both Islamabad and Kabul to prevent further escalation.
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