In the context of mounting security concerns, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has taken a firm and unequivocal stance, signaling that Islamabad would not hesitate to carry out fresh air operations inside Afghanistan if cross-border militancy continues. He stressed that there can be no compromise on the country’s sovereignty and the protection of its citizens, and if threats originate from across the border, Pakistan reserves the right to neutralize them.
In a detailed interview with an international media outlet, the defense minister spoke candidly about the country’s internal security challenges. According to him, the recent wave of deadly attacks inside Pakistan is not merely a domestic issue but part of what he described as a coordinated “proxy war.” He alleged that these attacks are being orchestrated from Afghan territory and suggested that the Taliban-led administration in Kabul has either failed to act against such elements or is turning a blind eye. He also implied that India is playing a covert role in fueling instability.
Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Afghan authorities and has urged them to prevent their soil from being used against Pakistan. He emphasized that if Kabul provides concrete assurances and takes verifiable action to ensure that anti-Pakistan militant groups are denied sanctuary or support, tensions could be reduced. However, he made it clear that in the absence of such guarantees, Pakistan retains the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
A significant part of his remarks focused on the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad holds responsible for several major terrorist incidents in the country. Pakistani officials have long maintained that key TTP leaders and fighters are operating from within Afghanistan and are directing attacks across the border. Islamabad’s consistent position has been that the Afghan authorities bear responsibility for ensuring that their territory is not used to destabilize neighboring countries.
The defense minister reiterated that Pakistan has consistently supported peace and stability in the region and has cooperated with the international community regarding Afghanistan. However, he underlined that if civilians, security forces, and national installations continue to be targeted, a response would become unavoidable. The primary duty of the state, he said, is to protect its people, and that obligation cannot be neglected.
During the interview, he also clarified that Pakistan does not seek aggression or escalation. Defensive actions, he argued, should not be misconstrued as hostility. If armed groups cross into Pakistan to carry out attacks, responding to such threats falls within the framework of international law—particularly if the host state fails to take effective action against those groups.
Khawaja Asif pointed to the evolving regional security landscape following political changes in Afghanistan, suggesting that certain militant outfits have found space to reorganize. These developments, he said, have had direct repercussions for Pakistan. While Islamabad has pursued diplomatic engagement and intelligence cooperation to address the issue, he warned that alternative options would be considered if these efforts fail to produce tangible results.
He further noted that Pakistan desires stable and constructive relations with Afghanistan, grounded in shared history, culture, and religious ties. However, such relations must be based on mutual respect and non-interference. He expressed hope that Afghan authorities would take Pakistan’s concerns seriously and act against elements that are undermining bilateral ties.
The defense minister’s remarks indicate a dual-track approach in Pakistan’s security policy: maintaining diplomatic engagement while keeping the option of targeted military action on the table. On one hand, Islamabad is seeking assurances and cooperation; on the other, it is signaling readiness to conduct limited and precise operations if cross-border threats persist.
He concluded by stating that Pakistan does not wish to escalate tensions, but continued attacks and loss of life leave little room for inaction. If Kabul provides credible guarantees and takes practical steps to curb militant activity, de-escalation is possible. Otherwise, Pakistan will not hesitate to exercise its defensive capabilities.
The statement reflects not only Pakistan’s internal security anxieties but also the broader geopolitical tensions and trust deficit in the region. The coming days will reveal how Afghanistan responds and whether diplomatic channels can ease the strain, or whether the situation moves toward further confrontation.