Pakistan’s defense minister expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s desire for peace but warned that a failure to reach a resolution during ongoing talks in Istanbul could lead to escalated conflict. The discussions, initiated on Saturday and set to extend into Sunday, represent the latest effort by both Pakistan and Afghanistan to avert a return to violence following recent border confrontations post-Taliban’s 2021 Kabul takeover.
The primary objective of the Istanbul talks is to establish a framework for upholding the Doha ceasefire over an extended period. Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted the absence of incidents in the ensuing days since the ceasefire agreement, indicating mutual compliance with the truce. He emphasized the potential for peaceful resolution but underscored the readiness for conflict if negotiations falter.
The recent clashes ignited following Islamabad’s call for Taliban intervention to restrain militants allegedly launching attacks on Pakistan from Afghan sanctuaries. Subsequent cross-border airstrikes and heavy exchanges resulted in casualties, prompting the closure of vital border crossings that remain inactive. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants targeting Pakistani forces, while the Taliban refutes the allegations and criticizes Pakistan’s military actions as violations of Afghan sovereignty.