PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party (ANP) has voiced deep concern over the inconclusive outcome of recent Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul, calling on Kabul to abandon its “militaristic mindset” and adopt responsible governance.
In a statement issued by central spokesperson Engineer Ehsanullah Khan, the party stated that “war and violence cannot be a lasting solution,” emphasizing that sustainable peace through comprehensive negotiations should be the primary goal.
The ANP warned that the Kabul authorities’ patronage of anti-Pakistan militant groups is a “harmful strategy” that undermines regional security. It also cautioned that ignoring regional obligations would only increase the hardships faced by the Afghan people.
The party called for a peace process that ensures the participation of political and business forces from both sides, stating that a joint strategy based on mutual cooperation is essential for lasting stability. The ANP reiterated its commitment to peace and democracy and offered to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue.
Meanwhile Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a sharp warning to the Taliban regime on Wednesday, saying Islamabad would not hesitate to “completely obliterate” Afghanistan’s rulers if provoked, after four days of fruitless peace talks in Istanbul.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Asif said Pakistan joined the Istanbul negotiations “at the request of brotherly countries” to give peace a chance but accused Afghan officials of responding with “venomous statements” that reflected a “devious and splintered mindset” within the Taliban leadership.
“Pakistan does not need to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves,” Asif wrote. “If they wish so, a repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora would be a spectacle for the region.”
The minister said the Taliban were “blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict” to preserve their “usurped rule” and sustain a “war economy.” He warned that any terrorist attack or suicide bombing inside Pakistan would draw a severe response.
“We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more,” Asif said. “Test our resolve and capabilities at your own peril and doom.”
