SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned that the country could face an “open war” with Afghanistan if ongoing peace negotiations fail, even as he expressed hope that both sides are genuinely seeking reconciliation.
The warning comes amid technical-level discussions in Istanbul, which began Saturday and are scheduled to continue into Sunday, aimed at reinforcing a recent ceasefire brokered in Doha last week. The truce followed some of the deadliest border clashes between the two nations since the Taliban assumed control of Kabul in 2021.
Speaking from Sialkot, Asif said, “We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them. But I saw that they want peace.” According to the minister, both sides have observed the ceasefire over the past four to five days without any major violations.
The cross-border violence earlier this month erupted after Pakistan demanded that the Taliban halt attacks by militants it claims are operating from Afghan territory. In response, Islamabad conducted airstrikes, prompting heavy exchanges of fire that resulted in dozens of casualties and the closure of major border crossings.
The Istanbul talks are intended to create a long-term mechanism for maintaining the Doha ceasefire. Analysts note that a key part of the discussions involves intelligence-sharing on armed groups. “Pakistan would provide coordinates of suspected TTP fighters or commanders, and Afghanistan would be expected to take action rather than allowing strikes from across the border,” said Ibraheem Bahiss, an International Crisis Group analyst.
Afghanistan’s delegation is led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, while Pakistan has not publicly disclosed the members of its negotiating team. Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of providing sanctuary to groups targeting Pakistan, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a claim that the Taliban denies, asserting that Pakistan’s military operations violate Afghan sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the border closures remain in effect, causing significant economic disruption, with Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce reporting daily losses of millions of dollars for traders. Pakistani officials have emphasized that the success of the Istanbul talks will be crucial for sustaining peace and preventing a return to large-scale conflict.