Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan flared on Wednesday after peace talks in Istanbul failed to produce a breakthrough. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stark warning, vowing to “obliterate the Taliban regime” if provocations continued.
The failed negotiations, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, were aimed at preventing further border clashes following this month’s deadly fighting the worst since the Taliban seized power in 2021.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the collapse of talks, saying they ended without a “workable solution” after disagreements over militant sanctuaries allegedly operating inside Afghanistan.
Why It Matters
The breakdown marks a dangerous escalation in South Asia, threatening to undo fragile ceasefires and destabilize the already volatile border region. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) a militant group responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan.
If tensions intensify, analysts warn it could lead to open conflict between two countries that share a 2,600-km frontier, worsening regional instability and humanitarian challenges.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted on X that Pakistan “does not require even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime.”
Afghanistan’s foreign and defence ministries have yet to comment, though sources familiar with the Istanbul talks described “tense exchanges,” with the Afghan side claiming it has no control over the Pakistani Taliban’s cross-border actions.
A Pakistani security official said the Taliban’s refusal to curb TTP activity led to the collapse of the dialogue.
Clashes and Ceasefire Breakdown
Earlier this month, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and other Afghan cities, targeting TTP leaders. The Taliban retaliated with attacks on Pakistani outposts, leaving dozens dead on both sides and prompting a brief ceasefire on October 19.
Despite the truce, weekend firefights killed at least five Pakistani soldiers and 25 TTP militants, suggesting the ceasefire is barely holding.
What’s Next
With diplomatic channels strained, Pakistan may opt for targeted military operations if cross-border attacks persist. Analysts say Islamabad still prefers a negotiated solution but could “go kinetic” if talks fail again.
Turkey and Qatar are expected to push for another round of mediation, though prospects for renewed dialogue appear dim.
With information from Reuters.
