Wed Oct 29 11:55:33 UTC 2025: Summary:
Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul have collapsed, raising tensions along the border. Pakistan’s Defence Minister issued a stark warning to Afghanistan, threatening a “stern response” to any further attacks on Pakistani soil by militants operating from Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who have claimed responsibility for a surge in militant attacks within Pakistan. Afghanistan denies these charges and accuses Pakistan of making “irrational demands” during the talks. Despite the failure of the negotiations, a ceasefire remains in place, but border crossings are closed, leaving many refugees and traders stranded.
News Article:
Pakistan Threatens Retaliation After Afghan Peace Talks Collapse
Islamabad – October 29, 2025 – Tensions are escalating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after peace talks held in Istanbul ended without a resolution. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, issued a strong warning to Afghanistan, stating that any further “terrorist or suicide attacks” originating from Afghan territory would be met with a decisive response.
The failed talks follow a period of heightened border skirmishes and accusations. Pakistan’s military claims to have targeted Pakistani Taliban hideouts within Afghanistan earlier this month, resulting in casualties. Afghanistan maintains those killed were civilians and responded with attacks on Pakistani military posts.
At the heart of the dispute is Pakistan’s accusation that Afghanistan’s Taliban government is providing safe haven to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a group responsible for a surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan. Afghanistan denies these allegations. Negotiations reportedly stalled because of Pakistan’s demand for assurances that attacks will not be launched from Afghan territory, an issue the Taliban delegation sees as an internal issue for Islamabad.
Minister Asif, in a statement posted on X, accused Afghanistan of “blindly pushing [itself] into yet another conflict.” He warned that Pakistan could “completely obliterate” the Taliban regime.
Despite the breakdown in talks, the ceasefire negotiated earlier this month remains in effect. However, major border crossings have been shut down, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying goods and Afghan refugees stranded on both sides, facing an uncertain future.
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