QUETTA: Former Balochistan information minister Jan Achakzai has issued a stark warning, stating that Pakistan is being pushed to the “brink of a full-scale war” with the Taliban in Afghanistan, following the predictable collapse of recent talks in Istanbul.
In a statement released on the social media platform ‘X’, Achakzai characterized the failure of the Istanbul dialogue as a completely foreseeable outcome. He attributed the breakdown to intensified conflicts between the Pakistani government and the Afghan Taliban, which have been exacerbated by the latter’s alleged support for the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The former minister detailed the severe economic consequences already being felt within Pakistan. He highlighted that the continued closure of key border crossings with Afghanistan is inflicting severe financial losses on traders and causing a sharp increase in the prices of essential raw materials. This economic strain, he suggested, is a direct result of the deteriorating diplomatic and security situation.
Achakzai’s statement presented a grave prognosis, arguing that the current trajectory of events is leading inevitably toward a major military confrontation. He expressed concern that the Afghan populace is being forced to “sacrifice for the safety of the TTP,” implying that actions by the Afghan Taliban are prioritizing the protection of the Pakistani militant group over the well-being of their own people and regional stability.
His comments underscore growing anxiety among political circles in Quetta regarding the federal government’s strategy towards Afghanistan. Achakzai’s warning serves as a critical assessment of the escalating tensions, painting a picture of a nation facing not only economic hardship at its borders but also a rapidly escalating security threat that could culminate in open conflict.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed as misleading and baseless the recent statement made by the spokesperson of the Afghan Taliban, saying that Afghanistan’s allegations against Pakistan were contrary to the facts.
The ministry said Pakistan “categorically rejects” the Afghan Taliban spokesperson’s “misleading” statements regarding the Istanbul talks.
The statement clarified that the spokesperson had distorted and misrepresented the facts related to the recent discussions between the two sides.
