Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a stern message to Kabul, warning that if Afghan soil is used for terrorism, it will be met with a “full response,” and any violation of Pakistan’s borders will trigger a counter-attack.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House in Islamabad, he made it clear that Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty. “If we have to go inside Afghanistan to respond to a violation… we will.”
Referring to recent negotiations, Khawaja Asif said, “The matter was concluded last evening. It has become clear to the mediators what Kabul’s intentions are. Kabul’s malice is now evident to everyone.”
He expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s governance, stating, “Now there is no medicine, one can only pray. There is a fear that the Taliban are pushing Afghanistan into the past.”
The Defense Minister criticized the regime, asserting that Afghanistan currently “does not even meet the definition of a state.” He added that the Taliban “are neither used to the identity of a state, nor do they understand it,” describing them as “marauders who are reaping financial benefits.”
Asif stated that Kabul has “chosen the path of resistance,” adding, “If this is how they want it, so be it.” He highlighted the reason for the diplomatic impasse, noting that while Afghanistan agrees to “all things” verbally, they are “not willing to provide anything in writing.”
