Sialkot: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad could face an “open war” with Afghanistan if ongoing talks with the Afghan Taliban fail to resolve bilateral tensions.
Speaking to reporters in Sialkot on Saturday, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan’s armed forces and police were making immense sacrifices to protect the nation from cross-border threats.
“Our soldiers and police are sacrificing their lives. We sleep in peace because our protectors stay awake,” the minister said.
Asif lamented what he called on Afghanistan’s “hostile attitude” toward Pakistan, despite decades of support and hospitality extended to Afghan refugees.
“For 40 years we hosted the Afghans. Those we are talking to in Doha today, grew up in Pakistan. Despite such generosity, I fail to understand why Afghanistan behaves this way. The country is acting as a proxy for India against Pakistan,” he added.
The defence minister also criticized Afghan refugees for what he described as their growing control over local businesses and job markets in Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan’s only agenda should be to live peacefully and with brotherhood with its neighbors.
Asif revealed that over the past four to five days, the border situation had remained calm, but warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, Islamabad would have no choice but to engage in open confrontation.
“If negotiations fail to settle matters, then it will be an open war with Afghanistan,” he declared.
His remarks come as Pakistan and Afghanistan hold a second round of talks in Türkiye, following earlier discussions in Doha, Qatar aimed at de-escalating tensions and implementing previously agreed points, including a ceasefire and mutual respect for each other’s borders.
