Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered Pakistan's sternest warning yet to the Taliban regime on Wednesday, declaring that Islamabad would not hesitate to strike "deep into Afghanistan" if Kabul failed to rein in militants using its soil for attacks across the border.

Pakistan’s defense minister warned Afghanistan on Wednesday that any new “terrorist or suicide attack” by militants on Pakistani soil would draw a stern response, hours after talks between them in Istanbul failed to secure a peace agreement.

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit an impasse in Istanbul after three days of negotiations, according to state media in both countries

ISLAMABAD/ISTANBUL: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday revealed that an agreement with Afghanistan was “within reach” during the second round of Istanbul talks but was derailed several times after the Afghan negotiators “backpedaled” following instructions from Kabul.

Pakistan’s defense minister has warned Afghanistan that any new “terrorist or suicide attack” by militants on Pakistani soil would draw a stern response

Pakistan talks collapsed in Istanbul, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad has the capability to neutralise any threat. The Taliban condemned Asif’s comments as ‘provocative and irresponsible’.

He acknowledged the Afghan delegation’s effort during negotiations but accused Kabul’s leadership of derailing the talks under India’s pressure.

ISLAMABAD: The construction of dams or barrages by Afghanistan on the Kabul River system could significantly affect Pakistan’s water availability during the critical early Kharif