Pakistan Defense Minister Confirms Ongoing Talks with Taliban via Mediators

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed that unstructured talks with the Taliban are ongoing through third-party mediators.

In an interview with Pakistani media, Asif warned that if the talks fail to bring peace, Pakistan would resume attacks on Afghan territory. He attributed the failure of previous negotiations in Doha, Istanbul, and Riyadh to the Taliban's refusal to provide written guarantees on issues including armed groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil.

Asif's remarks come amid border clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters that have entered their fifth week. Both sides have claimed heavy casualties, with recent violations of a temporary ceasefire announced by Pakistan for Eid al-Fitr at Saudi Arabia's request.

Following the ceasefire, Pakistan resumed missile fire and carried out an airstrike on a Taliban camp in the Dehdadi district of Balkh province.

The Taliban have not commented on the minister's statements.