Afghanistan Has Always Backed Terrorism, Further Trust Inadvisable: Defense Minister

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has accused Afghanistan of consistently supporting terrorism, warning that extending further trust to the neighboring country would be unwise. In a strongly worded statement, Asif described the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as an “Afghan franchise,” asserting that without Kabul’s backing, the militant group would have been eradicated long ago.
“The outlawed TTP is Afghanistan’s franchise; if it weren’t for Afghan support, it would have been eliminated by now,” Asif stated during a press interaction on Friday. His remarks underscore growing frustrations in Islamabad over cross-border militancy, which Pakistan alleges is harbored and facilitated from Afghan soil.
The minister’s comments come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following a series of attacks attributed to TTP operatives allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban-led Afghan government to crack down on terrorist safe havens, but relations remain strained despite diplomatic engagements.
Security analysts point out that TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the United Nations, has intensified its activities since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Recent incidents, including bombings and targeted killings in Pakistan’s border regions, have claimed numerous lives, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by Pakistani forces.
Asif emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “Afghanistan has always provided backing to terrorism; it’s not right to place more trust in them.” He called for international pressure on Kabul to dismantle terror networks, highlighting the implications for regional stability.
The Afghan Taliban administration has denied these allegations, claiming commitment to preventing Afghan soil from being used against any country. However, independent reports from organizations like the UN suggest ongoing links between Afghan Taliban elements and groups like TTP.
This exchange risks further escalating bilateral frictions, with potential impacts on trade, refugee repatriation, and counter-terrorism cooperation. International stakeholders, including the US and China, are urging dialogue to prevent a broader security crisis in South Asia.
Pakistan’s military has ramped up operations along the Durand Line, with officials vowing zero tolerance for cross-border threats. Asif’s statement reflects a hardening stance, signaling that Islamabad may pursue unilateral measures if diplomacy fails.