PTI vows unity with Pakistan if Afghan tensions flare: Gohar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said his party would stand with the state if tensions with Afghanistan escalate, drawing a parallel with PTI’s stance during past crises with India. Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk”, he argued that Pakistan must also pursue peaceful relations with its neighbours and keep channels of engagement open even in difficult moments.

Gohar said dialogue should continue alongside deterrence and urged friendly countries to use their influence to nudge the Afghan Taliban toward meaningful talks. His remarks came hours after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that recent talks in Istanbul between Pakistani and Afghan delegations ended without a breakthrough despite Islamabad’s evidence-backed counterterrorism demands.

Tarar accused the Afghan Taliban of enabling anti-Pakistan militants and warned that Islamabad would defend itself against any aggression. He said evidence shows Afghan soil has been used for attacks inside Pakistan.

Tensions have risen since October 12, when Taliban forces and TTP fighters allegedly launched an unprovoked assault on Pakistani border posts. Pakistan responded with strikes that officials say killed more than 200 Taliban and allied militants. Twenty-three Pakistani soldiers were also martyred in the clashes. A temporary ceasefire was agreed during Doha talks on October 19, with both sides later meeting in Istanbul, but the process stalled after five days without progress.