The second round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

The discussions are expected to continue for three more days. Two separate rounds of dialogue took place today between the delegations of both countries.

According to details, earlier on 19 October, a meeting was held in Doha where Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Afghan counterpart Mullah Yaqoob took part. During that meeting, an agreement for an immediate ceasefire was reached.

The Afghan delegation in Istanbul included Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, First Political Director Noor Ahmad Noor, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Qatar Suhail Shaheen, and Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi. A representative of the Afghan Ministry of Defence, Noor Rahman Nusrat, also attended the talks.

Also Read: Khawaja Asif warns of ‘open war’ if Pak-Afghan talks fail

Separately, Defence 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.