Pakistan Threatens Afghanistan with 'Open War'

Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, stated on Saturday that he believes Afghanistan desires peace, but the inability to reach an agreement in the Istanbul talks would mean 'open war.' This statement comes just days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes, as reported by Reuters.

The Istanbul negotiations, which began on Saturday and are expected to continue into Sunday, mark Pakistan and Afghanistan's latest attempt to prevent a resurgence of violence after the heaviest border battles since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021. The aim of these talks is to develop a mechanism for ensuring a longer adherence to the ceasefire established in Doha.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif mentioned that there have been no incidents within four to five days of the agreement's signing, and both sides have maintained the ceasefire. 'We have the opportunity, if the agreement fails, to start an open war with them,' he remarked during a televised address in Pakistan. 'But I saw that they want peace.'