ISLAMABAD: The Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, has accused the Taliban of acting as India’s proxy and warned that if the violence continues, Pakistan will react.
While talking to a private news channel, Khawaja Asif stated that a 48‑hour truce was observed between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, he suggested that it would not be very long if the violations continued to happen.
“In case of Afghanistan violating the ceasefire, we will have to counterattack,” he added, emphasizing Pakistan’s privilege of countering when it is attacked.
Asif blamed the villainous part of the Taliban leadership for getting direction and assistance from Delhi.
“At present, the Afghan Taliban have turned into India’s proxy the decisions are being financed from Delhi. Kabul is waging a proxy war for Delhi,” he said.
He also refused Afghan assertions about seized military equipment, saying Afghanistan was falsely claiming a tank as belonging to Pakistan. “The tank they are exhibiting, we do not even possess that model. Who knows from which junk dealer they bought it now they are lying,” Asaf said.
ALSO READ: Tensions soar on Pak-Afghan border, Khawaja Asif warns of possible resumption of fighting
On the other hand, the minister said that the Taliban are not sincere in their intention about peace in Pakistan. “If they intensify the conflict, we will hit back with full force,” he warned. He also mentioned that Pakistan had been open to diplomatic engagement including providing visas for Taliban representatives but after the resumption of hostilities, they dropped those plans.
While talking about U.S. President Donald Trump, Asif referred to him as a ruler who has been promoting the end of wars and fighting and described him as a peacemaker.
