ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Afghan Taliban government of acting as a proxy for India, claiming that Afghanistan, India, and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have jointly waged war against Pakistan.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Asif provided a detailed overview of Pakistan’s efforts since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021 to maintain peace and prevent cross-border incursions.
He revealed that during this period, the Foreign Minister visited Kabul four times, the Defence Minister and ISI Chief made two visits, the Special Representative for Afghanistan undertook five visits, the Foreign Secretary also visited five times, and the National Security Adviser went once.
Asif added that the Joint Coordination Committee met eight times, 225 border flag meetings were held, and Pakistan issued 836 protest notes and 13 demarches to Afghanistan.
According to the Defence Minister, 3,844 people — including civilians, soldiers, and law enforcement personnel — have been martyred in terrorist attacks since 2021, with a total of 10,347 incidents of terrorism recorded.
Despite these sacrifices and diplomatic efforts, Asif said, “Kabul has shown no positive response. Afghanistan has now become India’s proxy, and this wave of terrorism is a joint war imposed on Pakistan by India, Afghanistan, and the TTP.”
He criticized the Afghan leadership, stating:
“Those who now sit in India’s lap plotting against Pakistan were once sheltered and protected by us.”
Asif declared that Pakistan “can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as in the past,” adding that all Afghans living in Pakistan must return to their homeland, as Afghanistan now has its own government after five years of Islamic rule.
He further stated:
“It’s time to end five decades of enforced hospitality. Pakistan’s land and resources belong to its 250 million citizens. Dignified nations do not thrive on foreign soil or foreign aid.”
The minister emphasized that there would no longer be protest notes or peace appeals, and no Pakistani delegations would be sent to Kabul.
“Wherever terrorism originates, there will be a heavy price to pay. Coexistence with neighbors must now be based on mutual respect and responsibility.”
It is noteworthy that a 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains in effect, with Afghanistan expressing a desire to extend the truce.
