'Only war if...': Pakistan warns Afghanistan ahead of truce talks
What's the story
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning to Afghanistan ahead of crucial peace talks in Turkey. The talks, which will be the third round of negotiations, come after two unsuccessful rounds in Doha and Istanbul. "If the negotiations fail, the situation will deteriorate further. We have our options. Considering how we are being targeted, we may respond in the same manner," Asif said in an interview with Geo TV.
Mediation efforts
Turkey mediating talks after Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire
The talks are being mediated by Turkey after a fragile ceasefire was established between Pakistan and Afghanistan following brief cross-border clashes earlier this month. The negotiations have so far been stalled over Pakistan's demand for decisive action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) by Kabul. At a weekly press briefing last week, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the meeting and expressed hope for "a positive outcome."
Security concerns
Peace depends on Afghanistan's ability to stop terrorist activities
Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan will continue to engage in mediation but warned that peace depends on Afghanistan's ability to stop terrorist activities from its territory. "Pakistan has engaged with the Taliban regime without compromising on its position that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan," Andrabi said. He added Islamabad expects "concrete and verifiable action" against TTP elements.
Disputed claims
Deep mistrust persists between the 2 countries
The first round of talks was held in Doha on October 18-19, followed by a second round in Istanbul from October 25. Both rounds ended without a breakthrough, but they agreed to maintain the ceasefire. However, deep mistrust persists between the two countries. Asif dismissed Kabul's claim that TTP fighters are "Pakistani refugees" returning home, asking how refugees could return with heavy weapons and sneak through mountain routes.
Diplomatic tensions
Relations with Afghanistan cannot return to normal, says Asif
Asif also said relations with Afghanistan "cannot return to normal" until the Taliban government takes steps to stop cross-border attacks. He added that while he wouldn't blame the entire Afghan government, many within its ranks support these groups. The outcome of this round of talks remains uncertain as both sides continue to grapple with their differences over security issues and allegations of harboring terrorism.