Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a firm warning at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the ongoing use of Afghan soil by militant groups as a critical security threat to Pakistan.
He emphasized the urgent need for “credible, verifiable, and effective action” against terrorist elements operating across the border. Asif specifically identified the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as groups based in Afghanistan that continue to plan attacks targeting Pakistani citizens and infrastructure.
Asif expressed concern that the regional security framework is being weakened due to insufficient control over these militant safe havens. He underscored Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the global war on terror, describing them as “unparalleled” with tangible results, and warned that dismissing these efforts ignores the harsh realities on the ground.
He also rejected negative narratives aimed at Pakistan, labeling them as propaganda driven by concealed motives and political hostility. Asif, Pakistan remains a vital pillar of stability within the region.
In addition to his formal address, Asif held high-level bilateral meetings with defence officials from China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Iran’s deputy defence minister. During these discussions, he urged a move away from divisive politics and blame games, which he argued are often exploited for domestic political advantage rather than genuine security progress.
He advocated for a cooperative framework based on transparency, trust, and constructive dialogue. Asif concluded that sustainable peace in the region depends on mutual collaboration and a shared commitment to prevent sovereign territories from being exploited by non-state actors.
