ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned Afghanistan that continued cross-border militancy could lead to strong retaliatory action, as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul continue to rise over security concerns.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said repeated diplomatic efforts to engage the Afghan Taliban government had failed to produce results, and accused elements in Afghanistan of allowing militant activity to be directed against Pakistan.
He alleged that Pakistan is facing attacks originating from Afghan territory and claimed that the Taliban administration is acting under external influence, including from India.
The defence minister said Islamabad had consistently pursued dialogue to address the issue and had also engaged regional partners, including Qatar, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, to help ease tensions and encourage cooperation from Kabul.
However, he said Afghan authorities have so far refused to provide written guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used for militant operations against Pakistan.
Asif warned that if such attacks continue, Pakistan would respond firmly, signaling a possible escalation in its approach toward cross-border terrorism concerns.
The statement comes amid worsening relations between the two neighbours, driven by recurring border clashes, security incidents, and disputes over militant safe havens.
