Khawaja Asif Warns Taliban of War Ahead of Afghan-Pakistan Talks

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning to the Taliban government, threatening possible military action just hours before the Afghan-Pakistan peace talks begin in Istanbul. His remarks have dramatically escalated tensions, overshadowing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending weeks of deadly border skirmishes and drone strikes.

In a televised interview, Asif stated, “War will happen,” when asked if military confrontation is the only way to deal with the Taliban. He accused Kabul of harboring militants and turning a blind eye to cross-border attacks. Afghanistan, in response, condemned Pakistan’s drone operations on civilians and criticized Islamabad’s alleged silence over ISIS training camps.

The high-stakes talks, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, aim to reinforce a fragile ceasefire brokered in Doha last month. The previous round of negotiations in Istanbul concluded on October 30 with a joint statement, pledging both sides’ commitment to extend the truce and establish a monitoring and verification mechanism for border stability.

The Afghan delegation, led by Intelligence Chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, includes senior Taliban figures such as Anas Haqqani and acting ambassador to Qatar Suhail Shaheen. Pakistan’s delegation is headed by National Security Adviser and ISI Chief Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim, emphasizing Islamabad’s focus on security concerns rather than political conciliation.

Border skirmishes and trade disruptions remain key issues. Over 8,000 Afghan containers are stranded in Pakistan, with 4,000 more awaiting clearance, causing significant economic losses for both nations. Analysts warn that rising rhetoric and threats could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire and broader regional stability if unchecked.

Amid the tense atmosphere, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebutted claims by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar regarding frequent communications with Afghan leadership, describing the claims as “false and inconsistent with diplomatic ethics.” Dar also criticized the ISI’s past actions during the Taliban’s return, linking them to extremists turning against Pakistan.

Mediators from Turkiye and Qatar are expected to press both sides to adopt accountability measures and implement a joint verification mechanism to ensure ceasefire compliance. However, with Pakistan’s latest threats and Kabul’s defiance, the Istanbul talks are opening under severe strain, highlighting the fragile state of peace in the region.