Khawaja Asif Urges Kabul Not to Allow Afghan Soil Against Pakistan

Saturday, February 28, 2026 – Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Afghanistan should not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan. He made these remarks in a post shared on X.

The minister addressed senior Afghan Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani. He reminded him of Pakistan’s long support and hospitality during the anti-Soviet war.

Reference to Anti-Soviet War Support

Khawaja Asif said Pakistan stood “heart and soul” with Afghan fighters during the war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan in 1979.

He said Pakistan hosted Haqqani and his family during difficult times. He also mentioned that millions of Afghan refugees were given shelter in Pakistan. Many refugees, he added, are still living in the country and earning their livelihood.

The minister said both countries fought a common war during that period. He noted that global powers, including the United States, influenced the situation at that time.

Post-9/11 Period and NATO Logistics

Referring to the time after the September 11 attacks, Asif said Pakistan supported supply routes for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

However, he added that Pakistan later faced accusations of supporting the Haqqani network. In his message, he questioned Afghan leaders about those claims.

“We were asked about your location. Do you remember?” he wrote, asking whether the past allegations were fair.

Call for Peaceful Relations

The defence minister said Pakistan made efforts to bring Afghan groups together. He stated that rival Afghan factions were even taken to Makkah for reconciliation talks.

Despite this history, Asif expressed concern that Pakistan is now facing attacks from militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil.

“Why are you sheltering those who kill our innocent children and people?” he asked in his statement.

He said Pakistan had requested Afghan authorities not to support groups hostile to Islamabad. He added that Pakistan was even ready to offer financial assistance to improve cooperation, but there was no assurance.

Warning Against Use of Afghan Territory

Asif said Pakistan does not want its enemies to find safe haven in Afghanistan. He urged Afghan leaders to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan.

“We ask nothing from you. Live peacefully in your own home and let us live peacefully in ours,” he wrote.

He concluded his message by saying that cultural and religious values teach people to respect the country that gives them refuge.

“God is great. Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.