Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a stark warning, stating that Islamabad will engage in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail to yield an agreement. This declaration comes amid soaring tensions between the two neighboring nations, primarily fueled by Pakistan’s accusations that Afghanistan is harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. Kabul has consistently refuted these allegations.
The recent escalation saw Pakistan conduct airstrikes targeting alleged TTP hideouts in Kabul. Afghanistan retaliated, claiming to have neutralized over 50 Pakistani troops and captured numerous posts. This cycle of attacks has impacted civilian lives, with three Afghan cricketers tragically killed in a Pakistani strike, leading to the cancellation of a cricket series. Qatar and Türkiye have been mediating these disputes, facilitating a peace treaty signed in Doha that included an immediate ceasefire. The current round of talks in Istanbul marks a critical juncture in their efforts to restore stability.