Ceasefire efforts fail as tensions escalate; border closure worsens humanitarian and trade crisis
Negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in İstanbul aimed at restoring calm after the deadliest border clashes in years have ended without any breakthrough, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The talks, held over the weekend and lasting more than 18 hours, were mediated by Turkey and Qatar as both nations sought to transform a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace framework. However, the dialogue collapsed amid deep mistrust and conflicting demands from both sides.
Escalating Tensions After Deadly Clashes
The two countries recently witnessed their worst fighting since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with dozens of fatalities on both sides of the border.
Pakistan accused the Taliban government of harboring militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) responsible for cross-border attacks.
Kabul denied the allegations, claiming instead that Pakistan carried out unprovoked strikes inside Afghan territory.
A Pakistani security source told AFP that the Afghan delegation initially accepted Islamabad’s demand for “credible and decisive action” against the TTP but reversed its stance after consultations with Kabul.
“Open War” Warning From Pakistan
Before the talks began, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that if diplomacy failed, “open war” could be the next step.
“We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them,” Asif said Saturday.
In response, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani said any attack by Pakistan would face a strong response:
“It’s true we do not possess nuclear weapons, but neither did NATO nor the United States manage to subdue Afghanistan in 20 years of war.”
Fragile Ceasefires and Mediation Efforts
The first truce between the two countries collapsed earlier this month following border explosions in Kabul.
A second ceasefire was reached on October 19 after mediation in Doha, though its terms remain undisclosed.
The İstanbul round was viewed as a last-ditch diplomatic attempt to stabilize the situation — but ended inconclusively.
Border Closure Worsens Humanitarian Toll
The Pakistan–Afghanistan border has been closed for nearly two weeks, stranding hundreds of vehicles and traders.
In Spin Boldak, a border town in southern Afghanistan, truck drivers say perishable goods are rotting as they wait for clearance.
“There are 50 to 60 trucks, some with apples, others with pomegranates and grapes,” said 25-year-old driver Gul. “We just want the border reopened.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported at least 50 Afghan civilians killed and 447 injured within a week of fighting.
Pakistan’s military reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded, though no civilian figures were provided.
Regional and Global Concern
Analysts warn that rising tensions could destabilize a region where groups like al-Qaida and ISIS-K remain active.
Diplomats from Turkey and Qatar continue to urge both sides to maintain dialogue, cautioning that renewed conflict could spill over into wider regional instability.
