Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong public message to Afghanistan’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, urging him not to allow Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan.
In a statement shared publicly, Khawaja Asif said that while Afghanistan is free to host whomever it chooses, it must not permit individuals or groups to carry out hostile activities against Pakistan. “You may settle our enemies in your home if you wish,” he said, “but do not join them in playing the role of an enemy against us.” He stressed that Pakistan’s tradition, culture, and religion teach gratitude toward the country that provides shelter.
Addressing Haqqani directly, the defence minister recalled Pakistan’s historical support for Afghan fighters during the war against the former Soviet Union. He said Pakistan stood “heart and soul” with Afghan factions during that conflict and hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the decades. According to Asif, many Afghan families continue to reside in Pakistan, earning their livelihoods on Pakistani soil.
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He also noted that Haqqani and his family had lived in Pakistan as guests during earlier conflicts. “We extended hospitality to your elders and to three generations,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan had supported Afghan groups in coordination with the United States during the anti-Soviet campaign.
However, Asif expressed disappointment over what he described as continued cross-border security threats. He accused elements operating from Afghan territory of supporting attacks inside Pakistan, including violence targeting civilians and children. Without naming specific groups, he criticized what he called the sheltering of militants responsible for bloodshed in Pakistani cities and neighborhoods.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over border security and militant activity. Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to take decisive action against armed groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory.
Afghan officials have previously denied allowing their soil to be used against neighboring countries, maintaining that security inside Afghanistan remains their priority.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, Khawaja Asif’s statement underscores Islamabad’s demand for stronger cooperation from Kabul to address mutual security concerns and prevent further escalation between the two neighboring states.
