Islamabad (TDI): Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that Pakistan has “completely written off” the Afghan Taliban and no longer holds any positive expectations from the group, reflecting the ongoing strain in bilateral relations.
The remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed on social media that Pakistan had carried out overnight strikes in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces. Pakistan’s military rejected the allegations.
Speaking on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Asif said, “Neither the strikes nor any civilian casualties are taking place. Pakistan’s forces operate with discipline, traditions, and a code of conduct. Unlike the Taliban, we do not target civilians or act without rules.”
He added, “Hope should always remain, but at this point, we have no faith left in them. We are fully writing them off.”
Asif also challenged the Taliban’s claim of acting according to Islamic law, questioning, “Which Islamic law allows them to occupy a neighbor’s territory for decades and shed blood? This is not the Shariah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).”
Read More: ISPR Refutes Afghan Taliban’s Allegations of Cross-Border Strikes
Regarding potential retaliation, the minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, noting that countries like Turkiye, Iran, and Qatar had urged calm, arguing that stability benefits everyone, including Afghans. He dismissed the Taliban’s threats as mere words, saying, “There will be no greater idiocy than trusting them.”
Asif highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to maintain cordial ties with Kabul, including welcoming the Taliban after they took Kabul and engaging in multiple visits. “Despite these efforts, there has been no change in their behavior or attitude,” he said, adding that the Taliban were ultimately harming their own country.
He warned that continued isolation could eventually force regional neighbors to intervene, saying, “It won’t take long; otherwise, their isolation will lead to collapse.”
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amid ongoing cross-border terrorism allegedly linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent Afghan soil from being used for attacks, but the Taliban deny these claims.
Read More: High-Level Turkish Delegation to Visit Islamabad Next Week Amid Pak-Afghan Tensions
Efforts to resolve tensions through dialogue, including meetings in Istanbul in October and November mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, have largely failed. Following the breakdown of talks, the Taliban suspended trade with Pakistan, and Islamabad closed its borders for trade.
The Foreign Office recently stressed that resumption of trade and progress on key regional energy projects would depend on the Taliban halting cross-border terrorism and ending support for extremist groups.
