Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday called on the Afghan Taliban leadership to ensure Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan. In a detailed statement on X, Khawaja Asif recalled Pakistan’s long history of support for Afghan fighters during the Soviet war and urged Kabul to act against groups involved in cross-border militancy.
Khawaja Asif directly addressed Sirajuddin Haqqani and reminded him of Pakistan’s hospitality during difficult times.
“We Stood With You Heart and Soul”
Khawaja Asif said Pakistan supported Afghan fighters during the Soviet Union–Afghanistan war. He noted that Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees, including members of the Haqqani family.
He added that many Afghan refugees still live and work in Pakistan. “They earn their livelihood from our sacred soil,” he wrote.
According to Khawaja Asif, both countries once fought a common war shaped by global powers, including the United States.
Post-9/11 Period and Haqqani Network Allegations
Referring to the years after the September 11 attacks, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan facilitated NATO logistics but later faced allegations of supporting the Haqqani network.
He questioned Afghan leaders about those claims. “We were asked about your location. Do you remember?” he wrote, pointing to past accusations made against Islamabad.
Khawaja Asif also mentioned Pakistan’s efforts to bring Afghan factions together. He said Islamabad even arranged reconciliation meetings in Makkah to reduce tensions among rival groups.
Concerns Over Cross-Border Violence
Khawaja Asif expressed serious concern over rising attacks inside Pakistan. He said groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory target innocent civilians and security personnel.
“Why are you sheltering those who kill our innocent children and people?” he asked.
Khawaja Asif said he personally visited Kabul and requested Afghan leaders not to support hostile elements. He claimed Pakistan was even ready to offer financial assistance if it helped improve security cooperation.
Clear Message to Kabul
Khawaja Asif stressed that Pakistan does not seek confrontation. He said both nations should live peacefully within their own borders.
“We ask nothing from you. Live peacefully in your own home and let us live peacefully in ours,” he wrote.
However, he made it clear that Pakistan will not tolerate its enemies finding refuge across the border. He urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan.
Khawaja Asif ended his message by highlighting shared traditions and values. He said culture and religion teach respect for the land that offers refuge.
The statement comes at a time when Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions remain high due to ongoing border security concerns.
حقانی صاحب آپکی ماضی کی جنگوں میں سوویت یونین کے خلاف پاکستان دل وجان کے ساتھ آپکے ساتھ کھڑا تھا ۔ آپ ھمارے مہمان رہے آپکے خاندانوں کی دھائیاں مہمانداری کی۔ تب کے لاکھوں مہمانوں میں لاکھوں ابھی بھی پاک سر زمین پہ پناہ گزین ھیں۔ ھماری پاک مٹی سے رزق کماتے ھیں۔ آپ بھی بمعہ… https://t.co/RlYy2oZlqS pic.twitter.com/PwTnyyH7ed
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) February 27, 2026