Asif Khawaja says ‘negotiations over’

Pakan-Afghanan clash: Pakan’s Defence Miner Khawaja Asif announced on Friday that negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul have come to a halt, with “no schedule for the fourth round of talks”. “There is a complete deadlock. The negotiations have entered an indefinite phase,” Asif said during an appearance on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath.“Right now, as we speak, negotiations are over,” he was quoted as saying Dawn.
The two sides had begun the third round of talks in anbul on Thursday, aiming to ease tensions that escalated after last month’s deadly border clashes. The meeting followed earlier five-day discussions that had concluded with a last-minute interim agreement.
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Asif expressed gratitude to Turkiye and Qatar for their “sincere efforts” in mediating between the neighbours. “They supported our position. Even the Afghan delegation agreed with us but was unwilling to sign a written accord,” he said, stressing that Pakan would only accept a formal, documented agreement.
‘Verbal agreement unacceptable’
“They wanted us to rely on verbal assurances, which is not acceptable in international diplomacy,” the miner added.
He said the mediators had made sincere attempts to bridge differences but eventually lost hope. “If they still had optimism, they would have asked us to continue. Our return empty-handed shows that even they have given up on Kabul,” Asif remarked.
Reaffirming Pakan’s stance, he stated, “Our sole demand is that Afghanan must ensure its territory is not used for attacks against Pakan.”Story continues below this ad
He also cautioned that Pakan would retaliate if provoked. “If any attack originates from Afghan soil, we will respond appropriately. But as long as there is no aggression, the ceasefire will remain,” Asif warned.
Meanwhile, Information Miner Attaullah Tarar posted on X that the responsibility now lies with Afghanan to honour its international, regional, and bilateral commitments to curb terrorism.
He emphasised Pakan’s goodwill towards the Afghan people but warned against supporting any Taliban actions that could harm Afghanan or its neighbours. “Pakan bears no ill will towards the Afghan people. However, it will not endorse any measures the Taliban regime that endanger the interests of Afghanan or neighbouring states,” Tarar said.
He added that Pakan would continue to protect its sovereignty and citizens. “Pakan shall continue to exercise all necessary options to safeguard the security of its people and its sovereignty,” he asserted.Story continues below this ad
Earlier, the second round of talks between Pakan and the Afghan Taliban government took place on October 25 in anbul. Those discussions broke down after Islamabad rejected what it described as “illogical” justifications from the Taliban side and their refusal to address Pakan’s concerns over cross-border terrorism.
Mediators had later convinced both sides to make another attempt, leading to an agreement to maintain the ceasefire.
Following that round, the Turkish foreign minry issued a joint statement noting that all participants had agreed to uphold the ceasefire and set up a monitoring and verification mechanism to preserve peace and address any violations.