Istanbul, Oct 25: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Saturday began the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, even as tensions flared following Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s warning of an “open war” if the dialogue fails. The discussions are being mediated jointly by Qatar and Turkey.
The first round of negotiations took place in Doha on October 18–19, marking renewed attempts to de-escalate tensions along the border and address mutual security concerns. The Afghan delegation is led by Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Mujib and includes Anas Haqqani, brother of Afghanistan’s Interior Minister Noor Ahmad Noor. Pakistan is represented by a two-member team of senior security officials.
According to Pakistani media, Asif stated in Sialkot that the outcome of the latest round would likely be announced by Sunday, cautioning that failure could push the two nations toward open confrontation. However, he added that both sides “appear to be seeking peace.”
Reports suggest Pakistan is pressing for a “third-party oversight mechanism” co-chaired by Turkey and Qatar to monitor progress and ensure compliance. Islamabad is also expected to demand verifiable assurances from Kabul to dismantle bases of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) allegedly operating from Afghan territory.
Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, with clashes reported along the Durand Line and growing mistrust over regional developments.
Adding to tensions, Afghanistan has announced plans to construct dams on the Kunar River, which flows into Pakistan, following instructions from Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The move, seen as a response to Pakistan’s recent actions and India’s evolving role in the region, has deepened Islamabad’s unease.
The ongoing talks in Istanbul thus hold critical importance in determining whether diplomacy can prevail over escalating hostility between the two countries.
