ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan will not hesitate to conduct fresh strikes inside Afghanistan if authorities in Kabul fail to provide credible assurances of peace, according to a report.
Speaking to France 24, Asif said Islamabad remains prepared to act again unless the Afghan Taliban government can guarantee that its territory will not be used for militant activity against Pakistan.
The remarks come amid strained ties between Islamabad and Kabul following border clashes last October, after Afghan Taliban and allied militants launched attacks on Pakistani border posts. The fighting reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.
Pakistan also carried out what it described as precision strikes inside Afghanistan, targeting terrorist hideouts in Kandahar province and Kabul. Despite multiple rounds of talks, both sides have failed to reach a ceasefire, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban administration of reluctance in taking action against terrorist groups.
Asif further alleged that India is waging a proxy war against Pakistan through militant attacks, claiming New Delhi, Kabul and extremist outfits are “on the same page”. He added that no direct or indirect contact has taken place between Pakistan and India since their May 2025 armed conflict, warning that war remains “a possibility”.
The defence minister said some friendly countries had attempted to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but those efforts did not yield results.
Commenting on Pakistan’s internal security challenges, Asif blamed the Kabul government’s “non-seriousness” and possible complicity in curbing terrorism, claiming that “almost all the franchises of terrorism” are present in Pakistan due to cross-border militancy.
On foreign policy, Asif ruled out any move towards establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing stance of non-recognition. He said such a step could only be considered in the future if Palestinians secure an independent homeland and the right to self-determination, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He also addressed the situation in Gaza, saying Pakistan could contribute to an international peace force if the conditions and mandate are clearly defined. Asif noted Pakistan’s extensive experience in UN peacekeeping missions and said participation could support efforts toward a two-state solution in the Middle East.