WEB DESK: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban on Wednesday, saying Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border militancy and is prepared to respond decisively to any threats originating from Afghanistan.

In a strongly worded post on social media, the minister said Pakistan accepted mediation offers from “brotherly countries” in the interest of regional stability and welcomed efforts for dialogue. However, he criticised recent statements by some Afghan officials as “toxic,” saying they undermined the spirit of negotiations and raised doubts about the Taliban’s willingness to act against anti-Pakistan militant groups.

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Khawaja Asif stressed that Pakistan does not seek to topple the Taliban or drive them into hiding but warned that continued support or toleration of groups targeting Pakistan would force Islamabad to use its full capabilities. He invoked historical consequences for aggression and urged the Taliban leadership to end patronage of terrorist groups and prioritise rebuilding education and prosperity for ordinary Afghans.

The defence minister also accused certain elements within Afghanistan of protecting a “war economy” at the expense of the Afghan people’s welfare, and cautioned that any adventurism against Pakistan would be met with “firm and uncompromising” measures.

Asif concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to safeguard its citizens and called on the Afghan leadership to take verifiable action against militant outfits operating from Afghan territory.