Afghanistan Issues Stark Warning to Pakistan as Peace Talks Collapse Again

The latest round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan has ended in failure. The negotiations, held in Istanbul and mediated by Turkey and Qatar, concluded on Saturday without a deal. This breakdown threatens to reignite border clashes that have already killed dozens.Afghanistan’s Taliban government blamed Pakistan for the stalemate. A spokesperson called Pakistan’s demands unreasonable, forcing Afghanistan to reiterate its fundamental right to self-defense.

Afghanistan’s Right to Self-Defense Asserted

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated the government does not seek conflict. He emphasized that war is not Afghanistan’s first choice. However, he made the country’s position unequivocally clear.”If war breaks out, we have the right to defend ourselves,” Mujahid told the Associated Press. He had previously asserted that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against others. This stance directly responds to Pakistan’s earlier threats.

Pakistan’s Pre-Talk Threats and Post-Collapse Stance

Even before the final talks began, Pakistan’s Defence Minister issued a stark warning. Khawaja Asif told Geo News that if talks failed, “only war will happen.” This statement set a tense backdrop for the already fragile diplomacy.Following the collapse, Pakistan’s Information Minister confirmed the deadlock. Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan values peace but will take necessary measures to protect its people. According to the AP, he also warned that Pakistan would not support Taliban actions against the interests of neighbors.

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A Cycle of Failed Diplomacy and Escalating Violence

Last month, both sides had agreed to a ceasefire during earlier talks. A statement from Turkey mentioned a planned monitoring mechanism to maintain peace. That temporary agreement has now completely unraveled.The current crisis began after Afghanistan blamed Pakistan for twin explosions in Kabul. The Taliban then claimed retaliation against Pakistani military posts. Subsequent Pakistani airstrikes killed local Afghan civilians, including cricketers, escalating the conflict further.

The repeated failure of diplomacy leaves the region on a knife’s edge. The collapse of these Afghanistan Pakistan peace talks signals a dangerous new phase. All parties now face the grim prospect of a wider, more destructive conflict.

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Why did the Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks fail?

Afghanistan blamed Pakistan for the failure, calling its demands unreasonable. This created a stalemate that mediators from Turkey and Qatar could not break.

What has Pakistan said about the potential for war?

Pakistan’s Defence Minister explicitly stated that war is the only alternative if talks fail. The government has since confirmed the talks are over and warned it will protect its interests.

Have there been recent clashes between the two countries?

Yes, recent border clashes resulted in dozens of soldier and civilian deaths. Pakistani airstrikes also killed at least 10 people inside Afghanistan last month.

What is the international response to this crisis?

Turkey and Qatar have been actively mediating the talks. Their efforts secured a temporary ceasefire, but they have been unable to broker a lasting peace agreement so far.

What are the main points of contention?

The core issues include cross-border attacks and accusations about harboring militant groups. Each country blames the other for instability and security threats.