Peace talks are scheduled in Istanbul.
Peace talks between the two countries are scheduled to begin on Thursday in Istanbul, with the aim of easing growing tensions. The talks are being mediated by Turkey and Qatar. No agreements were reached after the first two rounds of talks, which took place in Doha and Istanbul.
Warning from Pakistan Ahead of Talks
Ahead of the talks, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made strong remarks. He warned that, if the peace efforts fail, Pakistan may have to go to war with the Taliban. “If peace talks fail, tensions will rise further. We have several options. Our response will depend on how we are targeted,” said Asif. He accused the Afghan government of sheltering militants and supporting cross-border attacks.
Afghanistan's Reaction
Afghanistan rejected the comments of Khawaja Asif, terming them untenable. Afghan officials accused Pakistan of carrying on drone strikes that target civilians. They said such actions increase hostility and make peace difficult to achieve.
Ongoing Violence on Both Sides
Recent violence has worsened relations. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, operating from Afghan soil, recently attacked Pakistan's Orakzai district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Eleven Pakistani soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were killed. Soon after, there were blasts in Kabul. The Taliban blamed Pakistan for the blasts, though Islamabad gave no official response.
Cross-Border Clashes and Growing Conflict
After those events, there were attacks from both countries across the border. First, the Afghan army attacked, and then Pakistan responded. There were heavy casualties on both sides in clashes. Since then, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained tense, with each side accusing the other of backing terrorism.
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