India, Oct. 28 -- The high-stakes talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Ankara ended abruptly after three rounds failed to produce any agreement on a border management mechanism. The Pakistani delegation withdrew, deepening tensions between the two neighbours.

Soon after the talks collapsed, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani accused Pakistan of making "irrational and unacceptable demands," warning that any air strikes by Islamabad would provoke a "severe response."

Qani stated that while Afghanistan remains open to dialogue, it "will not tolerate cross-border attacks." He warned, "If Pakistan conducts air strikes on Afghan soil, Afghan forces are prepared to target Islamabad in response."

The deadlock followed...