Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that Islamabad could no longer maintain relations with Kabul as it had in the past. He also threatened to retaliate against any source of terrorism targeting Pakistan, PTI reported.
The remarks came as a 48-hour ceasefire between the two neighbours ended. Reports say the truce might have been extended for now, as representatives from both countries are scheduled to meet in Doha, Qatar, to work on a solution
Pakistan threatens action against Afghanistan amid ceasefire tensions
In a post on social media, Asif said, “Pakistan can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as it did in the past. All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government/caliphate in Kabul…Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis.” He added, “Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources.”
The Defence Minister accused Afghanistan of acting as a “proxy of India” and conspiring with New Delhi and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) against Pakistan. He claimed that leaders in Kabul, once under Pakistan’s protection, were now working against Islamabad. “The rulers of Kabul, who are now sitting in India’s lap and conspiring against Pakistan, were once under our protection, hiding on our land,” the Pakistani minister wrote.
No more diplomacy?
In his post, Asif criticised Kabul for showing a negative approach to Pakistan’s repeated peace efforts. “Pakistan issued 836 protest notes to the Afghan side and another 13 demarches. There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace; no delegations will go to Kabul. Wherever the source of terrorism lies, it will have to pay a heavy price,” he warned.
He claimed that Pakistan is ready to defend itself against any aggression, stating on Samaa TV: “Pakistan remains ready for any aggression; no one should harbour doubt.” He also warned of threats on two fronts, with the possibility of internal unrest.
After the Taliban came to power in 2021, Pakistan says 10,347 terrorist attacks have occurred. This has resulted in the killing of 3,844 people, including civilians, military, and law enforcement personnel. Many attacks have been attributed to the TTP, allegedly operating from Afghan soil.
Asif’s comments came days after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India to discuss trade and bilateral relations. The Defence Minister said that all Afghans in Pakistan should return home, as their own government is now in Kabul.
