Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has emphasized that despite Pakistan’s significant sacrifices for Afghanistan, Kabul has consistently shown allegiance to India, highlighting Islamabad’s concerns about the deepening relationship between New Delhi and Kabul. Asif stated in an interview, “Afghans have historically been faithful to India – in the past, present, and future.”
Critiquing previous Pakistani governments, Asif mentioned that Pakistan’s decision to shelter millions of Afghan refugees was made under pressure from the United States. He expressed disappointment that despite Pakistan’s substantial sacrifices for Afghanistan, there has been a lack of reciprocal support from the Afghan side, indicating that Islamabad’s goodwill gestures have not been reciprocated.
In a recent address to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Asif issued a stern warning to Kabul, stating that Pakistan’s patience has worn thin and that the country cannot tolerate terrorism originating from Afghan territory any longer. He affirmed that Pakistan would pursue terrorist facilitators wherever they may be, hinting at potential stronger actions if the Taliban government fails to control militants along the border.
The heightened rhetoric from Islamabad coincides with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, marking the first high-level delegation from Kabul since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Muttaqi’s visit, permitted by a temporary travel waiver from UN sanctions, includes meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The agenda also features visits to Darul Uloom Deoband and the iconic Taj Mahal, symbolizing Kabul’s efforts to enhance diplomatic and cultural ties.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s arrival in New Delhi on social media, expressing India’s anticipation of meaningful discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters. Muttaqi’s visit follows a phone conversation with Jaishankar in May, marking a significant contact between India and the Taliban regime. India maintains its stance of advocating for an inclusive government in Kabul and opposes the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against any nation.