Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that Islamabad no longer holds any expectations from the Afghan Taliban, describing the group as a “ragtag organization” unfit for trust.
Speaking on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Asif emphasized that despite Pakistan’s efforts to maintain civil relations, the Taliban have failed to honor responsibilities toward Pakistan, which has historically hosted generations of Afghans.
Terrorism Concerns Escalate
Asif’s remarks come in the wake of a suicide attack in Peshawar on Monday, which killed three Federal Constabulary officers and injured 11 others. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), led by Noor Wali Mehsud, has been blamed for plotting the attack. Pakistan has also neutralized several Afghan nationals involved in cross-border terrorism.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in terrorism, despite repeated requests for the regime to curb militants operating from Afghan soil. Tensions worsened after clashes in October, when Taliban forces and TTP militants attacked Pakistani posts, killing nearly two dozen soldiers, prompting Pakistan to carry out retaliatory operations.
A ceasefire was brokered in Doha with the help of friendly nations, including Turkey, China, and Qatar, but long-term agreements failed as Kabul did not provide written commitments to act against militants wanted by Islamabad.
Taliban Accusations Denied
Asif dismissed Taliban allegations that Pakistan conducted strikes inside Afghanistan targeting civilians, calling the claims “baseless and false.” He emphasized that Pakistan’s military conducts operations professionally and under a strict code of conduct, contrasting it with the Taliban, whom he described as undisciplined with no religious legitimacy.
The minister stressed that Pakistan had long exercised restraint and hoped for constructive engagement, but those hopes have now diminished. “We are completely writing them off and do not expect anything good from them,” he added.
Afghan Taliban Response
Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of airstrikes in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, claiming 10 civilians were killed. The Taliban vowed to defend its territory and respond when deemed appropriate.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), led by DG Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, refuted these claims, confirming that Pakistan has not conducted any strikes inside Afghanistan and never targets civilians. He reiterated that Pakistan responds only as a state, following clear military principles.
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