Pakistan Warns of Open War with Afghanistan If Peace Talks Collapse – Defence Minister Statement | 25 October 2025

Pakistan Warns of “Open War” with Afghanistan If Peace Talks Fail, Says Defence Minister

In a strong statement on 25 October 2025, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned that if ongoing peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul collapse, Islamabad would have no option but to go for open war.

Speaking to reporters, Asif said:

“If the peace talks fail, Pakistan will have no option but to go for open war. However, I believe they genuinely want peace.”

The warning comes after both countries agreed to a temporary ceasefire that has held for several days while negotiators meet in Istanbul to establish mechanisms to monitor and prevent further border skirmishes.

The talks follow weeks of escalating cross-border tensions, including Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory earlier this month that Islamabad says targeted militant hideouts responsible for terror attacks within Pakistan. Afghan authorities condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and said they endangered civilians.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of operating from Afghan soil and carrying out attacks across the border. Kabul, meanwhile, demands that Pakistan respect Afghan sovereignty and halt military operations inside its territory.

Analysts say both nations are walking a tightrope. The success or failure of the Istanbul talks will determine the fate of the fragile ceasefire. If diplomacy collapses, the region could face serious consequences, including:

Direct military confrontation along the Pak-Afghan border

Civilian displacement and humanitarian crises

Closure of trade routes and regional economic losses

Increased international involvement or sanctions

Regional media reports and analysts note that Pakistan seeks written guarantees that Afghanistan will take decisive action against militant groups using its territory for cross-border attacks. Afghan officials insist any security measures respect Afghan sovereignty and international law.

Despite the stern warning, Asif reiterated that Pakistan prefers diplomacy:

“We want peace and stability in the region, but if our people and sovereignty are attacked, we will respond decisively.”

The Istanbul peace talks represent a critical opportunity for both nations to rebuild trust and avoid another devastating conflict. For now, the world watches closely as Pakistan and Afghanistan stand at a crossroads — between fragile peace and the threat of open war.