Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday criticised Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government for what he called a “double game,” saying the regime was making threats while also calling for dialogue.
His statement came as border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to rise following several recent cross-border incidents.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani security forces killed over 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants in a defensive operation after an unprovoked overnight attack by Taliban fighters and India-backed terrorists.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Asif questioned the credibility of Kabul’s leadership following recent remarks from the Afghan foreign minister amid escalating clashes along the border.
The defence minister said Pakistan had every right to respond to aggression but clarified that its military actions only targeted militant hideouts, not civilians. He warned that Afghan territory had become a safe haven for multiple terrorist organisations.
Asif also noted that protecting the country’s borders was the federal government’s responsibility, though he welcomed support from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration if it wished to assist.
He added that the repatriation of Afghan refugees was a federal matter, and the government would decide the policy for returning undocumented individuals when necessary.
Pakistan Warns Afghan Regime Against Interference
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urged the Taliban government to avoid making statements about Pakistan’s internal matters. The warning followed comments by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid regarding the recent Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests that turned violent.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said, “We have noted the recent remarks by the spokesperson of the Taliban regime about Pakistan’s domestic affairs.”
“Afghanistan’s officials should focus on their own national issues and avoid commenting on matters outside their jurisdiction,” the spokesperson added.
Reiterating the importance of international diplomatic principles, the MOFA stressed that Pakistan does not need external advice on its internal matters.
The ministry further urged the Taliban government to honour its commitments made during the Doha peace process and ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against any country.
It concluded by calling on the Afghan regime to prioritise forming an inclusive and representative government rather than engaging in what it described as “baseless propaganda.”
