Shafaqna Pakistan: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday cautioned Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government against its alleged backing of militant groups, stating that Pakistan would respond to Kabul in the same way it has responded to India.
Speaking in the National Assembly, he said there was “no difference between Delhi and Kabul,” asserting that Pakistan was currently confronting “one enemy” on both its eastern and western frontiers.
Asif further alleged that the Afghan Taliban administration was functioning as a proxy for India, claiming that Kabul had failed to offer Pakistan firm assurances on cross-border militancy.
“Kabul is not giving us any guarantee to stop terrorism,” he said, adding that Afghan authorities had only provided verbal commitments and were reluctant to give written assurances.
He also warned of potential consequences, noting that Pakistan had made efforts to ease tensions through diplomatic channels involving Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
“We tried very hard to make them understand with the support of three countries,” he told lawmakers, referring to discussions involving the Taliban administration.
The minister also said cooperation between the federal government and the provincial administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on security matters had previously remained limited but had improved recently.
During the speech, opposition lawmakers interrupted proceedings with slogans as Asif praised the role and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces.
“Our armed forces are giving unconditional sacrifices,” he said, adding that every citizen laying down their life at the border symbolised Pakistan’s resilience and identity.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent years as Islamabad repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan has maintained that it will not compromise on national security and continues to press Kabul to take action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
Source: Dunya News
