Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that if the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan talks do not yield positive results, the situation could escalate into an open conflict.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot during the inauguration ceremony of the reconstruction of the Government Sardar Begum Teaching Hospital, he said the outcome of the discussions is expected soon.

“I had a meeting with Afghan officials two hours ago. The results will be clear by tomorrow,” Asif said. “If matters are not settled, there will be war. The option is ours; yours is open war,” he warned, addressing Afghan authorities.

Talks underway with Afghanistan

Khawaja Asif confirmed that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan had resumed recently to resolve border and security concerns. The first round of discussions took place in Qatar, mediated by regional partners, and the process is still ongoing.

“I hope that the talks will yield an outcome by evening,” the minister said, expressing cautious optimism while warning of the consequences of failure.

He also criticised the presence of millions of undocumented Afghans in Pakistan, saying, “If four or five million Afghans are residing here and also occupying jobs and businesses, it creates major challenges for our economy and security.”

India’s proxy role, Pakistan’s readiness

The defense minister accused India of fighting a proxy war through Afghanistan, alleging that New Delhi continues to use Afghan soil to destabilise Pakistan.

“We have fought a direct war with India before,” Asif said. “Now India is fighting us through Afghanistan. But our brave soldiers are ready at any moment to protect the country.”

He added that Pakistan’s security forces, police, and military personnel are actively engaged in combating terrorism across the country, especially along the western border.

“Our borders are safe because of the martyrs. We sleep peacefully because our borders are in secure hands,” he said. “Every other day, we carry the bodies of our martyrs — they are the reason we stand strong.”

Criticism of doctors’ conduct in Sialkot

During the same event, Khawaja Asif expressed frustration over the shortage of doctors at the Government Sardar Begum Teaching Hospital, revealing that 22 doctors had been transferred to Lahore within the past year.

“There are no doctors in this hospital; they prefer private practice or working in Lahore,” he said. “If doctors adopt this attitude, who will protect them when they fall sick? Our martyrs don’t have that option — they give their lives for the nation.”

He lamented that doctors posted to Sialkot often leave soon after, saying, “Doctors come here, get frustrated, and go back to Lahore. If this continues, there’s no hope of recovery for the healthcare system.”

Tribute to armed forces

Asif praised Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. “Our forces are currently battling terrorists across various fronts,” he said. “The sacrifices of our police and soldiers are what make Pakistan’s defense impenetrable.”