Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (File photo/AP)
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif delivered a warning to Afghanistan on Saturday, suggesting that ongoing negotiations in Istanbul could collapse into full-scale conflict. The remarks came as the second round of high-stakes discussions between the two nations kicked off in Istanbul, just a week after both sides had cautiously agreed to a ceasefire following intense clashes along the border earlier this month.
“See Afghanistan wants peace, but failure to reach a deal means open war,” Asif was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.
Khawaja Asif said there had been no incidents in the four to five days since it was agreed, and both sides were complying with the truce. “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.”
Talks continue between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The meeting follows the first round of talks, jointly mediated by Qatar and Turkey, which took place in Doha on October 18 and October 19. During this period, both parties agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following days of intense border clashes.
According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for Afghanistan, the Afghan side is being represented by a delegation led by Deputy Minister of the Interior Haji Najib.
“The delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by the respected Deputy Minister of Interior, Haji Najib, has departed for Turkey following the Doha agreement from a few days ago. Discussions on the remaining issues will take place at this meeting,” he stated in a post on X on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani side is being represented by a two-member delegation comprising security officials, as reported by
The Express Tribune.
Last week, Qatar announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following intense border clashes.
(With agency inputs)