Pakistan Issues Stern Warning to Afghanistan Amid Border Tensions: What Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Said
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a grave warning that Islamabad could go into “open war” with Afghanistan if the ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail to hold and collapse, according to a recent report by TOLO News. This warning comes at a time when the two neighboring countries are trying to ease weeks of intense cross-border tensions and deadly clashes.
Ongoing Peace Talks and Current Situation
Delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in Istanbul for the second round of peace talks, focusing on strengthening the Doha Agreement established earlier this month. The talks aim to prevent further cross-border attacks, restore bilateral trust, and address key issues that have long plagued their relationship.
Khawaja Asif highlighted that there have been no recent fresh incidents along the border, indicating that the Doha Agreement has been “somewhat effective.” However, he cautioned that this calm might be fragile and temporary if diplomatic efforts fail.
The dialogue in Istanbul covered four major topics:
Creation of a joint border monitoring system
Mutual respect for sovereignty
Addressing Pakistan’s security concerns
Lifting of trade restrictions between the countries
In addition to these, discussions covered the forced deportation of Afghan refugees by Pakistan and how to prevent this humanitarian issue from becoming politicized. Recently, Pakistan cleared several refugee camps in Balochistan, forcibly displacing thousands of Afghan migrants without prior notice.
Background of Tensions
These talks follow intense border clashes earlier in October, sparked by Pakistan's demands for stronger action from the Taliban administration against militants launching attacks from Afghan soil. Pakistan responded with cross-border airstrikes, which escalated the violence and resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides.
Afghan Taliban officials have denied Pakistan's claims that militants operate from Afghan territory and insisted on their commitment to peace and regional stability. However, Pakistan, having hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, expressed diminishing patience in the face of repeated militant attacks emanating from Afghanistan.
The previous round of negotiations in Doha led to an immediate ceasefire agreement, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, intended to establish a mechanism for lasting peace and stability.
Potential Consequences of Failed Talks
The warning from Pakistan’s Defence Minister signals a dangerous turning point. If diplomatic efforts in Istanbul fail, Pakistan may resort to more aggressive military actions, including an “open war,” which would have severe consequences:
Regional Stability at Risk: An armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan could destabilize the already fragile region, impacting South Asian security dynamics.
Humanitarian Crisis: Increased fighting would likely lead to more civilian casualties and cause significant displacement of populations, worsening the refugee situation.
Cross-border Militancy: The conflict could exacerbate militancy problems, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants.
Economic Impact: Continued hostilities and trade restrictions would deepen economic difficulties for both countries, harming trade and livelihoods along the border.
International Involvement: Escalation might draw in regional and global powers, complicating efforts at peace and possibly leading to broader geopolitical tensions.
Conclusion
The peace talks in Istanbul represent a crucial opportunity to avoid further bloodshed and foster a stable, peaceful coexistence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. While the current ceasefire holds, the threat of open war looms large if diplomacy fails. Both nations must work collaboratively to respect sovereignty, secure borders, and address humanitarian concerns to prevent a full-scale conflict that could destabilize the region for years to come.
Khawaja Asif’s warning underscores the urgency of successful dialogue and the high stakes involved in maintaining peace along this volatile border.