Pakistan defense minister warns of ‘open war’ with Afghanistan if peace talks fail
“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”
Pakistan’s defense minister said on Saturday he believes Afghanistan wants peace but that failure to reach an agreement during talks in Istanbul would mean “open war,” days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes.
The talks in Istanbul, which began on Saturday and are expected to continue into Sunday, mark the latest attempt by Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent a relapse into violence after the worst border fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.
The talks are meant to devise a mechanism to enforce the Doha ceasefire in the long term.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif said there had been no incidents in the four to five days since it was agreed, and both sides were complying with the truce.
Afghan citizens wait to register as they attempt to return to their country, with trucks loaded with their belongings seen in the background, after Pakistan closed border crossings for trade with Afghanistan at the Chaman border crossing in Balochistan Province, Pakistan, October 18, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/SAEED ALI ACHAKZAI)
Pakistan says war with Afghanistan still possible
“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” he said in televised remarks from Pakistan. “But I saw that they want peace.”
The clashes erupted earlier this month after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban curb militants it says are attacking Pakistan from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan launched airstrikes across the border and both sides exchanged heavy fire, killing dozens and prompting the closure of key crossings that remain shut.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants who target Pakistani forces. The Taliban rejects the charge and says Pakistan’s military operations violate Afghan sovereignty.
