Pakistan’s defence minister claims India using Afghanistan to destabilize region

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused India of waging a “low-intensity war” against Pakistan from Afghan territory, warning that Islamabad’s patience is wearing thin amid escalating cross-border tensions.

Asif claimed that New Delhi and the Taliban regime maintain “long-standing ties” that pose a direct threat to regional stability. He alleged that recent unprovoked border clashes coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India — a timing he suggested was not coincidental, Daily Times reports.

“The Taliban have effectively become an Indian proxy,” Asif charged, asserting that New Delhi is actively working to undermine peace talks between Islamabad and the Afghan delegation. He further claimed that Pakistan has repeatedly presented evidence showing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating from Afghan soil with impunity.

According to Asif, “Taliban negotiators accept points during discussions but refuse to put commitments in writing,” a stance he said has repeatedly derailed efforts to reach durable security arrangements.

Issuing a stern warning to Kabul, the defence minister stressed that while Pakistan has exercised restraint, it retains the right to protect its sovereignty. “Pakistan has been patient but reserves the right to defend itself,” he said, cautioning that any future terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan “will be met with a strong response.” He added that Pakistan possesses the capability to respond “decisively if provoked.”

Asif’s remarks follow the conclusion of four days of high-level Islamabad–Kabul talks in Istanbul, which ended without a breakthrough. Pakistani officials said the Taliban delegation declined to provide written assurances to curb cross-border militancy. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later confirmed that the dialogue “had not produced a workable solution.”

By Vafa Guliyeva