Kh Asif warns of ‘open war’ if Pak-Afghan talks fail

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.

Talking to the media in Sialkot at 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 later. 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.

Talking about health issues, Khawaja Asif that senior doctors were reluctant to work at Sardar Begum Hospital and they prefer to work at Lahore hospitals. 

He said this is alarming situation. Kh Asif said building of the hospital is complete and medical instruments were reaching in hospital. He lamented that former principal of a medical college had opened several labs in the city. Kh Asif said tests facilities were not available in government hospital but only in his labs. 

He said once medical was a noble profession and now it has become a business. 

He said doctors come for few days in Sialkot and them move back to Lahore. He said if this situation continued then he will wage war against doctors. 

Reporter: Mian M Ashfaq