Pakistan's Defence Minister Issues Stark Warning Amid Tensions with Afghanistan

Escalating Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Islamabad: On Friday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan can no longer sustain its previous relationship with Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country will impose severe consequences on any source of terrorism targeting Pakistan.

These remarks were made as the 48-hour ceasefire deadline lapsed at 6 PM local time. However, reports indicated that the ceasefire was prolonged as representatives from both nations were scheduled to convene in Doha, Qatar, to address the ongoing tensions.

Asif stated in a social media update, "Pakistan can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as it did in the past."

He further asserted, "All Afghans currently in Pakistan must return to their homeland; they now have their own government in Kabul. Our land and resources are meant for 250 million Pakistanis."

He added, "Nations that respect themselves do not thrive on foreign land and resources."

Despite Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices over the past five years, Asif noted that Kabul has not responded positively. He mentioned that Pakistan has issued 836 protest notes and 13 demarches to the Afghan government.

He warned that there would be no more protest notes or peace appeals, stating, "Wherever terrorism originates, it will face severe repercussions."

Asif accused Afghanistan of acting as a "proxy for India" and conspiring against Pakistan alongside New Delhi and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

He remarked, "The leaders in Kabul, who are now aligned with India, were once under our protection, hiding on our territory."

Asif reiterated Pakistan's readiness and capability to defend itself against any further aggression from Kabul.

Earlier this week, he indicated that Pakistan is prepared to meet the Afghan Taliban's desire for conflict if they seek war.

During a discussion on Samaa TV, Asif stated, "Pakistan is ready for any aggression; there should be no doubt about that." He also mentioned that Pakistan is facing challenges on two fronts, with the potential for internal unrest.

On Friday, Asif provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan's peace efforts and measures to counter infiltration from Afghanistan since the Taliban's rise to power in 2021.

He reported that from 2021 to the present, approximately 3,844 individuals, including civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement officers, have lost their lives in 10,347 terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

Islamabad has consistently urged the Taliban government to prevent terrorist factions from utilizing Afghan territory for cross-border assaults.

In contrast, Kabul denies these claims, asserting that Afghan soil is not being exploited against any neighboring nation.

The relationship between the two countries has worsened following a series of terrorist attacks by the TTP, which allegedly used Afghan territory, including a recent incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Orakzai district that resulted in the deaths of 11 military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major.