Pakistan Warns Of ‘Open War’ With Afghanistan If Peace Talks Fail

Pakistan has issued a strong warning about the possibility of an “open war” with Afghanistan if current peace talks do not succeed. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said this after recent deadly border clashes and a fragile ceasefire between the two countries. The talks, held in Istanbul, aim to build a long-term peace plan and stop militants from launching attacks across the border.

While Pakistan believes Afghanistan wants peace, the message was clear: if diplomacy fails, war may be next. This serious statement highlights how tense the situation has become—and why peace now matters more than ever.

Why The Warning Matters

Pakistan’s warning marks a major shift. Previously, both countries spoke of diplomacy and cooperation. But the recent statement now openly mentions war. The crisis signals dangers for regional stability. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen some of its worst fighting in years. The risk affects ordinary people. If war breaks out, civilians, refugees, and traders may suffer loss of life, property, and livelihoods.

What Led To The Crisis

Here are the key triggers behind this warning:

• Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who attack Pakistani territory.
• In response, Pakistan carried out cross-border airstrikes, and there were heavy clashes.
• A ceasefire was brokered with help from Qatar and Turkey.
• But Pakistan says the deal must include strong enforcement and long-term guarantees.

What The Peace Talks Are Trying To Achieve

The talks held in Istanbul aim to:

• Establish a durable mechanism for the ceasefire.
• Ensure militant groups cannot launch attacks from Afghan soil into Pakistan.
• Restore trade and normal life along the border.
• Build trust between Islamabad and Kabul officials.

What Pakistan Says

Minister Asif made the strong remark: “We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them.” He also noted the ceasefire had held for a few days, which shows some progress. Pakistan insists it will hold the Afghan side responsible if militants keep using Afghanistan as a base.

What Afghanistan Says

On the Afghan side, led by the Taliban government, the allegation of harboring militants is denied. They say Pakistan’s military actions breach Afghan sovereignty. Kabul says it won’t accept being blamed without proof. Meanwhile, Kabul shows interest in peace, though the terms are disputed.

Why This Matters To You (And The Region)

• Stability: If peace fails, the war could draw in neighbours and affect regional peace.
• Refugees: A conflict means many people could flee across the border, creating humanitarian issues.
• Economy: Border trade already has suffered; war could deepen economic pain.
• Global security: More violence may enable militant groups to gain power, threatening world security.

What Could Happen Next

Here are possible outcomes:

• Best case: Talks succeed, a framework is signed, militants are held in check, and trade resumes.
• Middle case: Some deal is made, but implementation is weak. Border tensions continue, and flashes of violence happen.
• Worst case: Talks fail, Pakistan launches major operations, or Afghanistan responds strongly, and war spreads.

Challenges To Watch

• Tracking militant groups: Both sides must agree on who is accountable.
• Border geography: The Pakistan-Afghanistan border is rugged and hard to control.
• Trust gap: Years of suspicion make cooperation difficult.
• Economic cost: Heavy infrastructure damage and trade loss amplify the stakes.

Peace Hangs By A Thread

This moment is critical. Pakistan’s warning of “open war” with Afghanistan is serious and shows how urgent the situation is. The peace talks in Istanbul represent perhaps the last chance to avert a major conflict.

It matters for the people who live along the border, for the traders, and for families hoping for peace. If the deal holds and both sides commit, then hope can win over fear. But if diplomacy fails, the region may face a heavy price in lives and stability. The world is watching.