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Boundary disputes

Pakistan, Afghanistan on Brink of "Open War" Despite Peace Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that the country may resort to "open war" with Afghanistan if ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail to yield a lasting agreement. The discussions, which have been ongoing since Saturday, are a follow-up to deadly border clashes earlier this month that killed dozens and prompted the closure of key crossings. Despite the fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, with the Taliban government in Afghanistan ordering the construction of a dam on the Kunar River to limit Pakistan's water supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the country has the option to go to "open war" with Afghanistan if peace talks fail.
  • The latest peace talks in Istanbul aim to devise a mechanism to enforce a longer-term Doha ceasefire.
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to an immediate ceasefire after days of deadly clashes, which began on October 11.
  • The violence followed Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika targeting groups linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
  • The Taliban government has ordered the construction of a dam on the Kunar River to limit Pakistan's water supply, escalating non-military pressure.
  • Key crossings along the 2,640-km Durand Line border remain shut following the closure due to the clashes.
  • The talks come after a deadly border clash between the two countries that killed dozens, with both sides exchanging heavy fire.

Statistics:

  • 2,640 km: the length of the Durand Line border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • 4-5 days: the duration of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan since it was agreed upon.
  • 11 October: the date when the violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan began.
  • Dozens: the number of deaths reported in the deadly border clashes.

Sources:

  • Rao, M. (2022). Pakistan, Taliban on the brink. Times of India.
  • Reuters. (2022). Pakistan's defense minister warns of 'open war' with Afghanistan if talks fail. Al Jazeera.
  • RT. (2022). Taliban to limit Pakistan's water supply with dam on Kunar River. RT News.

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