Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday issued a strong warning to the Afghan Taliban regime after the failure of Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul. Taking to X, he declared that Pakistan would no longer tolerate “treachery and mockery,” warning the Taliban of a “bitter taste” if terrorist attacks continued from Afghan soil.
Asif said Pakistan had shown restraint and engaged in dialogue on the request of friendly countries but was met with “venomous statements” from Afghan officials, exposing the regime’s divisive mindset. He warned that any aggression would be met with a powerful military response, reminding the Taliban of their past defeat at Tora Bora.
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The minister’s remarks followed Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s confirmation that the four-day Istanbul talks had ended without progress despite Pakistan presenting evidence-based counterterrorism demands. He thanked Qatar, Turkiye, and others for their mediation.
Asif accused the Taliban of dragging Afghanistan toward renewed conflict to preserve their illegitimate rule and warned that Pakistan’s resolve and capability should not be underestimated.
