ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has cautioned that the fragile calm along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border could shatter at any moment, warning that renewed clashes with Kabul’s forces remain a looming threat.
Speaking on a television program on Monday, the minister declared that relations between Islamabad and Kabul have “completely broken down,” adding that “there are no ties — direct or indirect — as of today.” His remarks follow what Pakistan described as an unprovoked attack from across the border that left several soldiers martyred.
Asif said the situation along the frontier remains tense, with Pakistani troops maintaining full alert in anticipation of further aggression. “While there may be silence for now, hostilities can resume at any time,” he stated, emphasizing that Pakistan “will not hesitate to respond with force if provoked.”
The minister accused Afghanistan’s interim administration of harboring militant sanctuaries and allowing banned groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and Al Qaeda to operate freely. He claimed these networks have repeatedly targeted Pakistan’s security forces and civilians from across the border.
“The attacks on our soil have origins in Afghanistan,” Asif asserted. “Our forces have exercised restraint, but when our sovereignty is violated, we reserve the right to act decisively.” He insisted that Pakistani strikes have targeted militant hideouts, not civilian areas, dismissing Kabul’s claims of cross-border violations.
Despite the rising temperature, Asif left room for diplomacy, saying Pakistan remains willing to engage if Kabul demonstrates sincerity and curbs militant activities. “Talks can only happen when threats end,” he maintained.
The recent border exchanges have exacted a heavy toll, with 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred and dozens injured in the past weeks. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed that over 200 militants were neutralized in retaliatory operations.
Analysts warn that the deteriorating situation could plunge the region into another cycle of violence if restraint and dialogue are not restored. For now, Islamabad’s message is clear — the border may be quiet, but the calm is deceptive, and patience is wearing thin.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.