A day after the final round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan collapsed, the Taliban government 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.
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down after Kabul called Islamabad's security demands beyond their 'capacity,' though both sides said the truce still will continue https://t.co/3XPRJPn9Uy pic.twitter.com/gZSqbce3Cx
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 8, 2025
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.
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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 after Islamabad conducted airstrikes on Kabul targeting the head of the Pakistani Taliban terrorist group.
The clashes were the worst since the Taliban seized power in 2021. A ceasefire was signed following the peace talks held in Doha on October 19, but tensions persisted, with intermittent exchanges of fire on the border.
As the Istanbul peace talks fell flat, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the talks with Afghanistan are over and that there is no plan for any future dialogue.
"There is no plan or hope for any fourth round of talks. Talks have entered an indefinite pause," he said.
In an immediate response, Afghanistan's Minister for Tribes, Borders, and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, cautioned Asif "not to be overly confident in his country's technology".
"Both the elders and youth of Afghanistan will rise to fight if a war breaks out," he said.
