ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Afghanistan has historically supported terrorism, and it is no longer prudent for Pakistan to place further trust in the Afghan regime.
In an interview with a TV channel, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan made repeated efforts to resolve issues through dialogue with Kabul, but the Afghan government has not acted reliably. He called trusting the Afghan administration a major security risk, emphasizing that patterns of support for terrorism have persisted over time.
He highlighted that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan operates as an Afghan franchise, and without Afghanistan’s backing, the group would have long ceased to exist.
Regarding regional stability, Khawaja Asif noted the impact of rising global petroleum prices and urged that the ongoing Middle East war—particularly involving Iran—be resolved peacefully.
He stressed the importance of diplomacy and prayers for a temporary phase that does not escalate into broader conflict.
