Will Pakistan and Afghanistan Face Open Conflict? Defence Minister's Stark Warning Amid Peace Talks

Tensions Rise Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Istanbul: Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, has issued a grave warning to Afghanistan, stating that an 'open war' could ensue if the current peace negotiations do not succeed. This statement comes as both nations engage in their second round of discussions in Istanbul on Saturday.

The initial talks, facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, were held in Doha from October 18 to 19.

The Afghan delegation is headed by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujib, accompanied by Anas Haqqani, the brother of the Afghan Interior Minister Noor Ahmad Noor. Pakistan's side is represented by a duo of security officials.

Asif, who led the first round of discussions, mentioned in Sialkot that the results of the latest talks are expected to be disclosed by Sunday.

He indicated that failure in dialogue might leave Pakistan with no alternative but to resort to open conflict with Afghanistan, although he noted that both parties seem to be inclined towards peace, as reported by a leading Pakistani newspaper.

Reports from Pakistani media suggest that Islamabad is also advocating for a 'third-party oversight structure', potentially co-chaired by Turkey and Qatar, to monitor progress and address any non-compliance.

During the ongoing talks, Pakistan is anticipated to demand specific and verifiable commitments from Afghanistan to eliminate the threat posed by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims uses Afghan territory to launch attacks.

The relationship between Kabul and Islamabad has been strained, particularly with recent clashes along the Durand Line.

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to New Delhi starting October 9 was met with significant hostility from the Pakistani establishment, coinciding with drone attacks in Kabul on the same day.

In response to a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, while Afghanistan announced plans to expedite dam construction on the Kunar River, a move likely to heighten tensions in Islamabad.

Muhajer Farahi, the Taliban's Deputy Information Minister, stated on X that the Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has directed the Ministry of Water and Energy to commence dam construction on the Kunar River promptly, urging contracts with local firms without waiting for foreign companies.

This development follows a ceasefire agreement reached between the two nations after a series of hostilities.

The Chitral River, known as the Kunar River in Afghanistan, stretches 480 kilometers through northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, originating from the Chiantar glacier at the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral border, entering Afghanistan at Arandu, where it is referred to as the Kunar River before merging with the Kabul River in Nangahar Province.