Pakistan Signals War Risk if Afghanistan Talks Collapse
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, issued a stern warning that war could ensue if ongoing peace negotiations with Taliban-led Afghanistan fail. The remark comes ahead of key talks in Turkey aimed at strengthening the current cease-fire and addressing militant attacks originating from Afghan territory.
Background to the Tensions
Border clashes in recent weeks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated, driven by Islamabad’s accusations that Afghan soil is being used by insurgents to launch attacks into Pakistan. While the cease-fire brokered by mediators remains in effect, both sides acknowledge that it remains fragile. Asif stressed that Islamabad sees the window for diplomatic resolution, but warned that military action is the fallback option.
What Lies Ahead
Negotiators in Istanbul are expected to discuss mechanisms for monitoring cross-border militancy and ensuring Afghan cooperation in preventing attacks. Analysts say Pakistan’s public warning may be aimed at applying pressure on Kabul to offer firm guarantees. However, experts caution that framing diplomacy with the spectre of war could reduce trust between the parties and hinder the talks’ success.
Implications for Regional Stability
If diplomacy fails and Pakistan moves towards military measures, the fragile peace in the region could unravel. The ongoing dialogue is now crucial not just for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations but for regional security, refugee flows and broader counter-terrorism efforts.
