Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has urged Afghanistan’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan, amid rising cross-border tensions.
Addressing Haqqani in a public statement, Asif said Pakistan respected Afghanistan’s right to host individuals of its choosing but warned against allowing militants to operate against Pakistan from Afghan soil. “You may settle our enemies in your home, but do not play the role of an enemy alongside them,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s culture, tradition and religion emphasise goodwill toward the host country.
Asif recalled Pakistan’s support for Afghan factions during the Soviet-Afghan war, noting that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan refugees and provided shelter to generations of Afghan families. He said Pakistan stood “wholeheartedly” with Afghan fighters during that period, describing it as a shared struggle.
The defence minister questioned what Pakistan had received in return, alleging that individuals responsible for violence inside Pakistan were being given sanctuary. He criticised what he described as support for militants involved in attacks that have claimed civilian lives.
The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic strain between Islamabad and Kabul over security concerns and cross-border militancy. Pakistani officials have repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
