Pakistan25 October, 20253 min read
Pakistan Threatens Open War Against Afghanistan If Istanbul Peace Talks Fail
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of open war if Istanbul talks with Afghanistan fail. The talks in Istanbul aim to establish a lasting ceasefire after deadly border clashes.
30 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills At Least 27 in Kohat Mosque Blast →
Peace Talks and Ceasefire Efforts
Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that failure to secure a deal in Istanbul could lead to open war. Negotiators from Kabul and Islamabad are meeting to reinforce a fragile truce and establish long-term mechanisms after the deadliest border clashes since 2021. Western outlet DW reports that the sides are in Istanbul to discuss security and strengthen a ceasefire.
“Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to open war, though he expressed hope for peace.”
An initial 48-hour truce failed before a second ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, was implemented. Arab News states that Asif expressed optimism about peace but also warned of the possibility of open war.
Asian outlets such as the Hindustan Times and The Straits Times emphasize that the talks aim to enforce and institutionalize the Doha ceasefire following recent deadly clashes. Moneycontrol highlights that the ceasefire has so far held amid efforts to prevent further violence.
Recent Kabul Violence Overview
Accounts differ on what triggered the recent violence in Kabul. Several Asian outlets and DW report that the violence followed explosions in Kabul, which the Taliban blamed on Pakistan, leading to retaliatory strikes. Other sources, such as Bhaskar English, claim the conflict began on October 9 when Pakistan targeted alleged TTP bases in Kabul.
Reports on casualties vary significantly. News18 mentions recent Pakistani airstrikes that killed 10 people, including two children.
Bhaskar English cites the UN, reporting 37 Afghan civilians killed and 425 injured. The Hindu summarizes the situation as involving dozens of deaths and border closures.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Disputes
At the core of the Istanbul agenda are irreconcilable narratives on cross-border militancy and sovereignty. Pakistan presses Kabul to act against groups operating from Afghan soil, frequently naming the TTP and even the BLA. Kabul denies harboring militants and condemns strikes as violations of its sovereignty.
“Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorist groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a claim Kabul denies.”
DW and Mint report Pakistan’s accusations against the Taliban over the TTP, which Kabul denies. The Daily Jagran adds the BLA to Islamabad’s demands.
The Express Tribune highlights a focus on threats it terms “Fitna al Khwarij” and calls for tighter border coordination. Zoom Bangla underscores Islamabad’s stance that tackling Afghan-based terrorism is non-negotiable.
Truce Negotiations and Mediation Details
The fragile truce architecture features multiple mediators and conflicting details about who represents Kabul. DW, ABP Live, and Mathrubhumi note that an initial 48‑hour ceasefire collapsed but a second truce brokered by Qatar and Turkey has held. Free Press Journal uniquely reports Pakistan proposing a third‑party oversight mechanism co‑chaired by Turkey and Qatar to monitor violations.
Asian outlets differ on the delegation’s leadership: ABP Live says Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib leads the team. The Hans India names Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujib and lists Anas Haqqani on the delegation, also saying an outcome is expected by Sunday.
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Regional Impact of Border Standoff
The standoff’s fallout is widening beyond the battlefield. Mint reports the border remains closed except for returning Afghan refugees, causing significant economic losses at Spin Boldak. Pakistan has suspended transit trade until security improves.
“The conflict has disrupted cross-border trade, particularly in fruits and vegetables, causing significant economic losses for traders and contributing to rising food prices in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.”
Financial Express adds that cross-border trade disruption is spiking food prices in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Asif accused India of conducting a proxy war from Afghan soil. News18 notes a sports protest dimension as the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from a T20 tri-series after three Afghan cricketers were killed in Pakistan’s Paktika province.
Free Press Journal highlights additional fault lines, including negative reactions in Pakistan to Afghanistan’s foreign minister visiting India and looming water tensions over Kabul’s Kunar River dams. These issues show how the crisis is entangled with wider regional grievances.