A war like-situation looms large between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the talks between the two nations failed in Istanbul. The Taliban government has issued a stark warning to Pakistan. 

According to news agency Associated Press, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid blamed Pakistan for the talks failure, and said that Pakistan’s demands are unreasonable and its nation has full right to defend itself.

Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan does not want insecurity in the region and war is not the first choice of the Taliban government. He added that if war takes place, they have the right to defend themselves. 

In an earlier written statement, he had said that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against any other country, and it also would not permit any action that weakens its sovereignty or security.

Afghanistan’s statement is being seen as a reply to Pakistan’s war threat. Before the final round of talks began in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had warned Afghanistan that if the negotiations failed, “there will only be war.”

On November 8, Asif said that the talks had ended and warned that the ongoing ceasefire would remain continue as long as it is not violated by Afghanistan.

Last month, a war erupted between the two countries after Pakistan’s Air Force conducted air strikes in Kabul and at other places.  Later, the Taliban forces retaliated and killed 58 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan rejected the claim of Afghanistan while admitting that it lost 23 of its soldiers in the skirmish. 

Both sides agreed on a ceasefire after a peace talk held in Qatar. Later, the nation agreed to continue the ceasefire after holding a second round of peace talks in Istanbul.