‘Ready for war’: Taliban’s stern warning to Pakistan as peace talks collapse

A day after the final round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan collapsed, the Taliban government has issued a strong warning to Islamabad, saying the country has every right to defend itself if a war breaks out.

The Taliban also alleged that certain elements within the Pakistan military and intelligence services are deliberately sabotaging the dialogue process.

"The irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome, despite the Islamic Emirate's good intentions and the efforts of the mediators," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.

“If war breaks out, we have the right to defend ourselves,” he added.

Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan would not allow anyone to use its territory against another country, nor permit actions that undermine its sovereignty or security.

"Certain elements within Pakistan's military and intelligence services are deliberately sabotaging the ongoing peace process," he said, adding that these elements were trying to blame the Taliban government for Pakistan's internal problems.

Mujahid maintained that the ceasefire between the two countries would continue even as the peace talks failed to make any breakthrough.

Dozens were killed as Pakistan and Afghanistan troops exchanged fire along the border last month. A ceasefire was signed after the peace talks held in Doha in October, but the tension continued with brief exchanges of fire being reported along the border.

The tension between the two countries escalated after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Kabul targeting the head of the Pakistani Taliban terrorist group.