The second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime is underway in Istanbul, focusing on a mechanism to curb cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan territory, officials said on Saturday.

The Afghan delegation is being led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najeeb, while a high-level Pakistani team is participating in the dialogue.

Both sides are discussing ways to implement understandings reached during the earlier round of talks held in Doha.

Pakistan reiterated its demand that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities against it, stressing that concrete measures are needed to ensure lasting border security.

The negotiations come amid heightened tensions following repeated militant attacks inside Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on groups operating from Afghan territory.

Defence minister warns

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that if the ongoing negotiations fail, Pakistan is prepared for an open conflict along the Afghan border.

Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, Asif said the armed forces are making continuous sacrifices to defend the country’s frontiers.

“Our forces and police are fighting terrorists, and we mourn the loss of soldiers almost every other day,” he added.

On the ongoing negotiations, Asif said, “If the talks fail, Pakistan is ready for open conflict along the Afghan border. Pakistan has already fought a war with India, and India is now attempting a proxy war through Afghan territory.”

The defence minister noted that the negotiations were progressing and an outcome would be revealed soon.

“The Afghan delegation that participated in the Doha talks was trained in Pakistan. The Doha negotiations showed that the Afghan side wants peace. From now on, anyone coming to Pakistan will do so through official visas,” he said.