Afghanistan’s Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has issued a strong warning to Pakistan amid escalating tensions following failed diplomatic talks between the two countries. Speaking in Kabul, Haqqani emphasized that Afghanistan will not tolerate any acts of aggression from Islamabad, asserting the Afghan people’s unity in defending their territory despite internal challenges. His remarks came just days after the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul collapsed without resolution, and less than 24 hours after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban, underscoring Islamabad’s readiness to respond decisively to any threats.
The breakdown of talks in Istanbul has deepened mistrust and rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan, two neighbors with a complex and often fraught relationship. The negotiations had aimed at addressing longstanding security concerns, particularly related to cross-border militancy and the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that Pakistan insists is operating from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has made countering the TTP a precondition for any meaningful agreement, demanding that Kabul take concrete action against the militants. However, Haqqani rejected these demands as Pakistan’s internal problem, urging Islamabad to resolve its own issues without dragging them into Afghanistan.
“We have raised this issue with Pakistan in multiple meetings and through various channels, asking them to solve their own internal problem at home,” Haqqani said. He warned that if Pakistan attempts to export this problem into Afghanistan, it would trigger unrest and hostilities in the region, which would ultimately be Pakistan’s mistake and come at a high cost. Despite acknowledging that Afghanistan lacks advanced weaponry or long-range missiles, Haqqani emphasized that the country’s determination and resolve remain steadfast. “Though we do not possess long-range missiles or advanced weaponry, our determination and resolve remain firm. We can overcome any circumstances and attain victory,” he stated firmly.
The acting interior minister also stressed that Afghanistan does not seek confrontation and that the doors for dialogue and understanding remain open. “We do not seek confrontation with anyone,” Haqqani said. “However, anyone committing aggression should know that we have stood against the emperors of the world, and it is not at all difficult for us to defend our own territory.” His comments reflect Afghanistan’s readiness to defend itself against any external threats, especially in light of recent provocations.
The tensions escalated after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned the Afghan Taliban not to test Islamabad’s resolve, cautioning that Pakistan could use only a fraction of its military capabilities to “completely obliterate” the Taliban and force them into hiding. This aggressive rhetoric underscores the growing strain between the two nations, with Pakistan signaling a willingness to take military action if necessary.
Reports from Afghan media outlet Ariana News indicate that Pakistan abruptly withdrew from the Istanbul negotiations after presenting what the Afghan delegation described as “unreasonable and unacceptable” demands. Chief among these was Pakistan’s call for Kabul to recall and exert control over armed individuals allegedly operating against Pakistan from Afghan soil—a demand the Afghan side rejected outright. The collapse of talks has prompted Afghanistan to issue a stern warning, vowing a strong response to any future Pakistani military strikes. Afghan forces reportedly stand ready to retaliate should Pakistan conduct airstrikes on Afghan territory.
The Istanbul discussions also brought to light deep-seated mistrust and competing agendas, particularly surrounding the issue of U.S. drone operations and cross-border terrorism. According to the Indian news network NDTV, the immediate catalyst for the breakdown of talks was Pakistan’s unprecedented public admission that it has an agreement with the United States allowing drone operations from its territory. Pakistani officials insisted that this agreement could not be broken, a stance that provoked outrage from the Afghan delegation. Afghan representatives demanded guarantees that Pakistan would not permit U.S. drones to violate Afghan airspace, but their concerns went unaddressed, further straining the dialogue.
This revelation has exacerbated Afghanistan’s suspicions about Pakistan’s role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts. The Afghan side views the drone operations as a violation of their sovereignty and an indication of Islamabad’s unwillingness to fully cooperate in combating militancy that affects both countries. The discord over drone activity and the TTP’s presence in Afghanistan remain major stumbling blocks to improved bilateral relations.
Despite the current impasse, Haqqani reiterated that Afghanistan remains open to further talks. He stressed the importance of dialogue but made it clear that Kabul will not tolerate any aggression or interference. His