Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said that Pakistan does not want further deterioration in relations with Afghanistan and hopes to resolve ongoing issues — especially cross-border terrorism — through dialogue and mutual respect.

In an exclusive interview with SAMAA TV in Sialkot, the defence minister stressed that Islamabad seeks peaceful and cooperative relations with Kabul.

“May God forbid that relations with Afghanistan worsen further,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s complaints should be addressed instead of letting bitterness grow.

He emphasised that both sides should work to remove misunderstandings and improve ties, particularly regarding the issue of terrorism.

Terror attacks from Afghan soil

Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has repeatedly raised its concern that terrorism is being carried out from Afghan territory.

“There are daily violations on our land, our forces and civilians are attacked, and we hold funerals every day,” he remarked. “If no action is taken on this, then this is not how neighbours behave.”

He said Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and expects the same in return, describing the relationship as “two-way traffic, not one-way.”

Call for return of refugees

The defence minister urged Afghan authorities to ensure that illegal entrants do not cross into Pakistan. “They should arrange for the return of refugees and ensure that illegals do not come from there,” he stated.

He underscored that Pakistan’s stance is not confrontational but based on legitimate security concerns.

Referring to Afghanistan’s new Chief Minister, Khawaja Asif said the government would observe his policies closely. “The past of the new Chief Minister is against the state — let’s see whether he will act in Pakistan’s favour or take a narrow approach,” he said.

Warm ties between Afghanistan, India not concern

The minister acknowledged Afghanistan’s traditionally close relations with India, saying, “Every state has its own relations, and we have no objection to that. But they must also fulfil the duties of neighbours.”

He noted that Afghanistan and India have historically shared warm ties since 1947, adding that Pakistan’s focus remains on ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Shifting focus to the Middle East, Khawaja Asif welcomed the recently announced agreement between Hamas and Israel. “The most satisfying thing is that the agreement has been made directly with Hamas,” he said.

He praised the resilience of Gaza’s people, saying, “The sacrifices made by the Muslims of Gaza are unparalleled. They have achieved a high position in human history against oppression and barbarity.”

He also questioned the silence of some religious parties, saying that few have responded actively to the suffering in Gaza.