Pak Minister Khawaja Asif Warns of 'Only War' If Afghan Talks Collapse

Ahead of the third round of peace talks in Turkey, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stark warning that a collapse of negotiations with Afghanistan could leave Pakistan with no option but “war” against the Taliban. Speaking to Geo TV on the eve of the talks, Asif said earlier rounds in Doha and Istanbul had failed to produce a breakthrough, raising the stakes for the current diplomatic push.

He cautioned that if the dialogue breaks down again, Islamabad may resort to stronger measures in response to continued attacks and provocations, signaling a hardening stance as both sides return to the negotiating table.