Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday warned that ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain “hostile,” adding there are currently no direct or indirect ties between the neighboring states.
In an appearance on Geo News, he said the two states were at a stalemate following the weekend’s cross-border clashes. Kabul initiated the attack on Pakistan’s forces across the border, prompting Islamabad to retaliate, at one time taking physical custody of nearly two-dozen checkposts. Following the exchange, border crossings remain closed for trade and travel, with troops remaining on high alert.
Asif said hostilities between the two states could resume “at any time,” adding that there was presently a lull in hostilities. To a question on whether Islamabad would negotiate peace with Kabul, the minister that if Afghanistan thinks it can secure negotiations while threatening Pakistan, it should act on its warnings and then both sides can engage in dialogue. “This is a natural thing. If you are attacked, you instantly have the right to react and target wherever the attack is originating from,” he said of Pakistan’s response to Afghanistan’s assault.
He also addressed recent demands from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa regarding military operations against terrorists, noting that safeguarding the country’s borders was a federal responsibility, not a provincial one. However, he welcomed cooperation from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government if it wished to assist in this process. He also said the issue of Afghan refugees’ repatriation is a federal matter, adding Islamabad has the authority to return undocumented individuals where appropriate.
The weekend’s clashes resulted in the martyrdom of 23 Pakistani troops, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which said over 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire.
Amidst the ongoing rancor, U.S. President Donald Trump and China have both offered to help de-escalate. The Russian Foreign Ministry has also called on Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint.
Internal affairs
Separately, Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement criticizing Pakistan’s use of force against Tehreek-e-Labaik protesters in Muridke. Responding to the statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office asked the Afghan spokesperson “to prioritize issues pertinent to Afghanistan and refrain from commenting on matters outside [your] jurisdiction.”
In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesman said the principle of non-interference in matters of other countries should be adhered to as per international diplomatic norms. “Pakistan does not require outside advice on its internal matters,” he said, adding Islamabad also expected the Taliban regime to abide by its obligations and promises made to the international community during the Doha Process.
“The Taliban regime should not allow its land to be used for terrorism against other countries. Besides, the regime should focus on formation of an inclusive and truly representative government, instead of engaging in baseless propaganda,” it added.