Pakistan Warns of Military Action As Peace Talks With Afghanistan Set To Resume In Turkey

Ahead of next round of peace talks between Islamabad and Taliban in Turkey today, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong warning to Afghanistan that failure to reach a breakthrough would force Islamabad into direct military confrontation with the Taliban.

Speaking to Geo TV ahead of the third round of talks, Asif stated, "If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner."

The Pakistani delegation, led by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, is expected to meet with Afghanistan's interim intelligence head Abdul Haq Wasiq in Istanbul. The renewed dialogue, facilitated by Türkiye and supported by regional allies, aims to stabilize the fragile ceasefire brokered on October 19 following deadly border clashes.

It has to be noted that the earlier rounds held in Doha and Istanbul had failed to yield progress, with both sides trading accusations over cross-border militant activity. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to take decisive action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims is operating from Afghan territory.

Tensions escalated last month when Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting alleged TTP militants. Kabul condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and denied harboring the group. Afghan officials have warned of "reciprocal attacks" if Pakistan conducts further incursions.
The October 9 explosions in Kabul, which the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan, triggered a retaliatory offensive along the border. The ensuing violence claimed over 70 lives, including civilians, and left hundreds wounded.

While a tenuous calm currently holds, Pakistani officials insist that lasting peace hinges on Kabul's commitment to curbing cross-border terrorism. "Pakistan's stance has been clear - support for terrorism must end," Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said last week.

Adding to the diplomatic strain, Islamabad has accused the Taliban government of aligning with India, citing recent engagements between New Delhi and Afghan officials. Defence Minister Asif described Kabul's posture as "treacherous and barbaric patronisation of Indian-sponsored terrorism."

The talks in Istanbul are seen as a critical juncture in efforts to prevent further escalation and restore stability along the 2,600-kilometre frontier shared by the two nations.