Amid talks in Istanbul, Pakistan Defence Minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail

As per a report by Reuters, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the meeting will aim to establish a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” to prevent further attacks from Afghan soil and protect Pakistani citizens. He also added that Pakistan does not seek escalation but expects the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Andrabi described the Doha talks as a “first step” toward regional peace, praising Qatar and Turkey for their constructive role, Reuters report added. The earlier discussions had focused on immediate measures to halt cross-border attacks and restore stability along the Durand Line, the 2,611-km border which Afghanistan does not officially recognise.

Afghan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the Istanbul talks, noting the delegation will be led by Mawlawi Rahmatullah Najeeb, Deputy Interior Minister. “The remaining issues with Pakistan will be discussed in the meeting,” he said.

Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a resurgence in militant attacks and has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to rein in TTP militants using Afghan territory as a launchpad. Limited progress has maintained a climate of mistrust and occasional clashes along the border.

(With Inputs from Reuters)