The second important round of Pakistan-Afghanistan border talks aimed at ending recent tensions and restoring peace is taking place on Saturday in Istanbul, Turkey. These talks follow the successful initial round in Doha, which resulted in an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot on Saturday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are ongoing and their outcome will be revealed soon. He, however, warned, “If the talks fail, Pakistan is ready for open conflict along the Afghan border.” He added that the Pakistani armed forces are fighting terrorists, and the country mourns new martyrs almost every other day. He also accused India of waging a proxy war against Pakistan through Afghan territory.

Earlier, Khawaja Asif had described Afghanistan as an ‘enemy and ungrateful country’ in a television interview.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in his weekly briefing, confirmed the Istanbul talks, stating their purpose is to make progress on the points agreed in Doha.

He explained that border crossings with Afghanistan have been temporarily closed due to terrorism threats, emphasizing that “protecting the life of an ordinary Pakistani is more important than the delivery of food or trade.”

Andrabi urged Afghanistan to take verifiable measures to stop terrorist attacks originating from its territory.

He also noted that since the Doha ceasefire, there have been no major cross-border terrorist attacks, marking a positive outcome of the earlier talks.

Pakistan is also stressing that all entry from Afghanistan will now be allowed only through valid visas, to ensure controlled and secure border management.