October 30, 2025

Pakistan is sending mixed messages about its strategy to handle the tension with Afghanistan. At the recent Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit, a video showed Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warmly chatting with Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Interior. They talked about solving problems through dialogue. Minister Naqvi said, "Differences exist in every household, and similarly, we resolve our issues through dialogue," signaling a friendly and calm approach toward Kabul. But not everyone in Pakistan’s leadership agrees. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif took a tougher stand. He said the Afghan delegation at the Istanbul peace talks had no real power and even criticized Afghanistan's close ties with India. This sharp contrast shows a clear division in Islamabad about dealing with the Taliban-led government in Kabul. International relations expert Najib Rahman Shamal commented, "Pakistani politicians need a unified stance. While the Interior Minister calls for a peaceful resolution, the Defence Minister issues threats before negotiations even begin -- a situation that benefits neither country." Adding more spice, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Minister Naqvi during the ECO summit and expressed Iran’s readiness to mediate between the two neighbors. Similarly, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, urged calm: "Of course, we very much hope that even if the talks have stalled, there will not be a resumption of hostilities." Why all this tension? Recently, Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which Kabul called a violation of its airspace. In return, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Defence Ministry attacked targets across the Durand Line, their shared border. Earlier, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban spent four days negotiating in Istanbul to end the conflict but couldn’t reach any agreement. These talks, helped along by Turkey and Qatar, followed deadly border fights and a ceasefire that began on October 19. The drama continues with Pakistan’s leaders pulling in different directions while hoping for peace. It’s a high-wire act that both countries watch nervously, hoping these splits don’t escalate into more conflict.

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Tags: Pakistan afghanistan relations, Eco summit, Bilateral talks, Taliban, Border clashes, Diplomacy,