Pakistan’s foreign minister has issued a stern “open war” warning as peace talks with Afghanistan continue in Istanbul, signaling rising tensions and uncertainty over regional stability.
The remarks come at a time when both nations are attempting to revive diplomatic channels after months of escalating border conflicts and militant attacks.
Reports indicate that Pakistan is growing increasingly frustrated with what it perceives as Afghanistan’s failure to prevent cross-border terrorism originating from the Afghan side. While the Istanbul summit was meant to foster peace and cooperation between the two neighboring nations, Pakistan’s latest statement has cast a shadow over the dialogue’s outcome.
Afghan representatives, however, maintain that their government seeks peaceful coexistence and regional harmony, urging both sides to pursue dialogue rather than threats. The international community, including Turkey and the United Nations, has called for restraint and emphasized the need for continued negotiations to prevent further instability in South Asia.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s aggressive tone could be a strategic move to pressure Afghanistan into stronger action against militant networks near the border. Others warn that such rhetoric risks undermining ongoing peace efforts and could escalate into renewed conflict.
As the Istanbul peace talks continue, regional observers are closely watching whether both sides can turn tension into tangible progress or if the region will once again spiral into violence and mistrust.