No Major Breakthrough in Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks, Says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif** has said that there has been **no significant progress** in the ongoing **Pakistan-Afghanistan talks**, cautioning against raising expectations. He stated that if Afghanistan, at the urging of friendly countries, refrains from supporting terrorists, it would be considered a **positive development**.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif said that **no breakthrough** has yet been achieved in the negotiations with the **Afghan Taliban**. He noted that **Qatar’s Defence Minister** and **Turkey’s Intelligence Chief** are making efforts to ensure the success of the dialogue and to prevent a breakdown in communication.

“Our delegation was ready to return last night, but Qatar and Turkey requested that we give the talks another chance,” Asif revealed. “We were told that they would speak to the Kabul delegation and try to find a way forward. The talks have not resumed yet, but our delegation remains in Istanbul.”

The Defence Minister stressed that the **foundation of all discussions is peace**. “If there is no peace, we cannot move forward. If Afghanistan continues to support terrorism or the TTP at India’s behest, progress will not be possible,” he warned.

Khawaja Asif added that **trust and peace must be restored** before trade or any positive engagement can resume. “If the Afghan side insists on confrontation or acts as a **proxy for India**, then nothing can be achieved,” he remarked.

In a firm message, he cautioned that if any attempt is made to **undermine Pakistan’s peace**, then Pakistan will respond decisively — saying, *“If it comes to that, so be it.”*