Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Stall Amid Fresh Border Violence
Image Source: Internet
Pakistan's fragile peace talks with Afghanistan have hit a new roadblock, with negotiations at a standstill after a week of relative calm. The talks were meant to build on a November 6 agreement to maintain a ceasefire, but Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has now warned that the ongoing truce will only hold if Afghanistan's Taliban government adheres to its commitments to curb terrorism. According to reports, Asif told a Pakistani news channel that the talks are 'over' and that Afghanistan must respect the 2021 Doha peace accord to avoid further conflict. The Taliban had pledged to reduce violence under that agreement, but Pakistan claims that it has not met its obligations. The breakdown in talks comes after a series of border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, including a recent exchange of fire along the Chaman border in southwest Pakistan. Tensions had been escalating since October, when explosions in Kabul were blamed on Pakistan and the Taliban retaliated by targeting Pakistani military posts. Despite a ceasefire being reached, peace has remained elusive, with airstrikes on Afghan territory resulting in civilian casualties. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has assured that his country values peace and stability, but will take 'necessary' measures to protect its people. The latest development is a worrying sign for regional stability, with Pakistan and Afghanistan yet to confirm a new date for further talks.
