On October 29th 2025, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif issued a warning to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar following the breakdown of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul mediated by Turkey and Qatar, intended to establish long-term ceasefire after deadly border clashes earlier in October. Unfortunately, negotiations ended without producing a “workable solution,” according to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Minister Asif strongly condemned the Taliban for failing to address core issues, accusing them of avoiding accountability and blame-shifting, while simultaneously warning of future terrorist or suicide attacks on Pakistani soil which would leave an unpleasant taste in their mouths. According to Asif: “Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require using even one fraction of its full arsenal to eradicate their rule and push them back into caves for hiding.”
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, while Afghanistan denies these claims and sees their activities as internal matters. Without an agreement reached by both nations, regional tensions have escalated rapidly – leaving both parties prepared for potential escalation of tensions.

Turkey and Qatar, who serve as mediators, have expressed grave concern over the breakdown of dialogue and potential for renewed conflict. While efforts are underway to revive peace talks, their path remains unclear.

As Pakistan and Afghanistan remain embroiled in long-standing tensions, many around the world watch closely in hopes that an amicable resolution may occur soon.