As peace talks commence in Istanbul, Turkey, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a grave warning of potential ‘open war’ with Afghanistan, should the negotiations falter. This stark statement reflects the intense friction between the two nations, largely stemming from Pakistan’s accusations of Afghanistan harboring the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad insists that Afghan territory is used as a base for TTP operations, a narrative strongly disputed by the Afghan government.
The escalating tensions have manifested in cross-border airstrikes by Pakistan targeting alleged TTP sites, followed by retaliatory actions from Afghanistan that claimed significant Pakistani military casualties. The conflict’s tragic impact has also been felt by civilians, with the deaths of Afghan cricketers leading to the cancellation of a cricket series. A peace treaty signed in Doha previously established a ceasefire, but its effectiveness is now being tested. The outcome of the current Istanbul discussions is crucial for de-escalating the confrontation and fostering lasting peace.