Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration on Tuesday, cautioning that Pakistan would respond to Kabul in the same manner as it has to India. Speaking in the National Assembly in Islamabad, he emphasized that there was effectively “one enemy” positioned along both Pakistan’s eastern and western frontiers.
Asif accused the Kabul government of acting as a proxy for India and criticized it for failing to provide Pakistan with concrete guarantees to halt cross-border terrorism. He noted that Afghan authorities had only offered verbal assurances without any written commitments. “If they continue to support terrorists, it will lead to war,” he asserted.
The defence minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels involving Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, stating, “We made significant attempts with the backing of these three countries to make them understand.” Despite these efforts, he indicated that the Taliban administration remained uncooperative.
Addressing internal security matters, Asif mentioned that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had long been uncooperative with the federal government but acknowledged recent improvements in collaboration.
During his address, opposition members disrupted proceedings with slogans as Asif paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. He remarked, “Our armed forces are making unconditional sacrifices,” and added that every life lost at the border symbolizes Pakistan’s identity.
Relations between Pakistan and its neighbors have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with Islamabad repeatedly urging the Taliban to prevent their territory from being used for militant activities against Pakistan. Despite assurances, the Taliban have yet to fulfill this commitment.
Although countries like Türkiye and Qatar have attempted to mediate and ease tensions, including efforts last year to broker a truce, these initiatives have not resulted in a lasting agreement between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan continues to stress that it will not compromise on the security of its citizens and demands that the Taliban government cease supporting militancy.
