Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a blunt warning to the Afghan Taliban, saying Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border militancy and that Islamabad is ready to respond decisively to any threat from Afghan soil. Pakistan Will Not Tolerate Cross-Border Militancy, Asif wrote in a strongly worded tweet, adding that Pakistan accepted an offer to mediate peace talks at the request of “brotherly countries” and in the interest of regional stability, but recent “toxic” statements by some Afghan officials show growing divisions and duplicity within Taliban ranks.
Asif stressed that Pakistan’s preference remains diplomatic engagement, yet he left no doubt about Islamabad’s readiness to protect its citizens and sovereignty. He accused certain elements within the Taliban of preserving a war economy at the expense of Afghan welfare and warned that continued patronage of groups that attack Pakistan will invite a robust response. The minister invoked historic imagery to underscore his point, saying those who choose aggression may face the steep price of repeat defeats, while reiterating that Pakistan does not seek to topple or hunt down the Taliban.
The defence minister criticised comments he called toxic and counterproductive to dialogue, saying they undermine the spirit of mediation and raise serious doubts about the Taliban’s willingness to act against anti-Pakistan militants. Asif called on the movement to end support for terrorist groups and to shift focus toward rebuilding education, prosperity, and stability for ordinary Afghans.
While making clear Islamabad’s diplomatic openness, Asif warned that any continuation of cross-border attacks or protection for militant groups will be met with full capability and firm measures. He said Islamabad had accepted mediation offers to resolve tensions but remained prepared to act if hostile activity persisted, framing Pakistan’s stance as both principled and prepared.
Asif’s message was also an appeal to the international community and regional partners to press the Taliban leadership to abandon support for militant proxies and join genuine efforts for peace. He urged the Taliban to prioritise governance, reconstruction, and the welfare of the Afghan people over short-term gains tied to conflict and instability.
The minister ended his message by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to safeguard its people and by warning that any adventurism stemming from Afghan soil would be costly for those who pursue it.
