Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has held the Afghan government responsible for the failure of recent talks between the two countries, saying that Kabul has not supported efforts to curb cross-border terrorism.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya TV, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan had demanded written guarantees from Kabul ensuring that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) would not carry out attacks inside Pakistan, but no such assurance was received.
The minister said that Islamabad’s repeated calls for cooperation against terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil have gone unanswered. “We asked Afghanistan to stop cross-border terrorism,” he stated, adding that Afghanistan has failed to support even the basic idea of preventing cross-border attacks.
According to Khawaja Asif, this lack of cooperation has derailed efforts for peace and raised serious security concerns for Pakistan.
'Afghanistan has become haven for terrorist organisations'
Khawaja Asif described the current situation in Afghanistan as alarming, asserting that the country has become a safe haven for various terrorist organisations. “Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorist groups, and its government has failed to act against them,” he said.
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The minister claimed that Pakistan has consistently provided evidence of terrorist safe havens operating from across the border, adding that such activities are threatening regional peace and Pakistan’s internal security.
'Afghan govt acting as proxy for India'
In a sharp rebuke, the defence minister accused the Afghan government of acting as a proxy for India, alleging that New Delhi is using Afghan territory to take revenge on Pakistan.
“The Afghan government is active against Pakistan from India’s Afghan soil,” Asif said. “India is using Afghanistan to take revenge on Pakistan by backing anti-Pakistan elements,” he added.
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He further alleged that the Afghan administration’s growing alignment with India is undermining regional stability and could escalate tensions if left unchecked.
Pakistan warns of effective counteraction
Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, Khawaja Asif warned that the country will take “effective countermeasures” against any border infiltration or terrorist aggression.
“Pakistan will take effective counter-action against any border infiltration,” he emphasized, underscoring that national security remains the top priority for the government and the armed forces.
Khawaja Asif revealed that Qatar and Turkiye -- two of Pakistan’s close allies -- have requested another opportunity to help mediate and de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“If Kabul’s behaviour changes at the request of friendly countries, there is a possibility of improvement,” he said, expressing cautious optimism that diplomatic efforts might yield progress if Afghanistan adopts a cooperative stance.
