'If War Breaks Out...': Taliban's Warning To Pakistan After Peace Talks Fail Again In Istanbul

Pakistan Afghanistan tensions: The latest round of peace talks between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan has ended in complete deadlock, heightening tensions between the two neighbours. Despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar in Istanbul, both sides walked away blaming each other for the breakdown.

In a sharply worded statement released on Saturday, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accused Pakistan of “irresponsibility and obstruction,” alleging that Islamabad had “once again demonstrated insincerity” during discussions held on November 6 and 7. The statement said Afghan representatives attended the meeting “in good faith and with full authority,” expecting progress, but were met with “excuses and shifting of responsibility.”

Taliban Accuses Pakistan Of 'Sabotage'

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan’s actions reflected a “lack of seriousness” and warned against attempts to hold Afghanistan accountable for Islamabad’s internal security problems. “The Islamic Emirate will never allow its soil to be used against any country,” he said, adding that Afghanistan would “firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with the help of Allah and its people.”

Noorullah Noori, Afghanistan’s Minister for Tribes and Borders, cautioned Pakistani leaders “not to test the patience of Afghans.” He further warned that “if war breaks out, both the elders and youth of Afghanistan will rise to fight.” The Taliban statement reaffirmed that while Afghanistan values its “brotherly” ties with the people of Pakistan, cooperation will only continue “within the limits of responsibility and sovereignty.”

Pakistan Admits ‘Deadlock’, No Plans For Fourth Round

On the other hand, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the third round of negotiations had ended without any results. “There is a complete deadlock. The negotiations have entered an indefinite phase,” he said in an interview with a private channel.

Asif expressed appreciation for Turkey and Qatar’s mediation efforts but admitted that “even they have lost hope.” He said Pakistan’s only demand was a written assurance that Afghan soil would not be used by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants to attack Pakistan. “They wanted us to accept verbal commitments, which is not possible in international negotiations,” Asif said, asserting that Pakistan’s stance “remains firm and clear.”

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Tensions Mount Along Af-Pak Border

The failed talks come amid renewed clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in recent weeks. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of harbouring TTP militants, while Afghanistan has denied the charge, saying Pakistan must deal with its own internal challenges.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on X (formerly Twitter) that the “onus lies on Afghan authorities to control cross-border terrorism,” adding that Kabul has failed to honour its international obligations.

ALSO READ: Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan Of Bombarding Civilian Markets In Ceasefire Breach, Video Emerges Ahead Of Peace Talks

The breakdown of the Istanbul talks marks the third failed attempt in less than a month, raising fears of a new wave of border violence. As rhetoric escalates on both sides, the Afghan-Pakistan relationship, already strained by decades of mistrust, could be heading towards another dangerous confrontation.