Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong statement towards Kabul, declaring an end to the previous relations between the two countries. Asif emphasized that all Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan should return to their own country as Afghanistan now has its own government in Kabul. He reiterated that Pakistan’s land and resources are meant for its 250 million citizens.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan persisted as a 48-hour ceasefire seemed to expire, but reports indicated a possible extension with plans for discussions in Doha. However, the Taliban stated that Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province led to the breakdown of the truce, as reported by AFP.
Asif asserted that Pakistan could no longer continue its past relationship with Kabul due to the lack of positive responses from Afghanistan despite numerous protests and demarches over cross-border terrorism. Accusing the Kabul government of being influenced by India and collaborating with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Asif emphasized that Pakistan would not tolerate threats from across the border.
Highlighting the toll of terrorism in Pakistan since the Taliban’s rise in 2021, Asif mentioned over 10,000 terror attacks resulting in the deaths of nearly 4,000 individuals. Despite Pakistan’s calls for preventing militants from using Afghan soil for attacks, Kabul denies any involvement in cross-border terrorism.
Asif’s message underscored Pakistan’s defensive and nationalistic stance, emphasizing that sovereign nations should not rely on foreign resources. Pakistan stands firm in its readiness to defend itself against any aggression and warned of a robust response to threats from across the border.