Khawaja Asif Demands All Afghans Depart Pakistan

Post by : Raman

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Afghan government, stating that all Afghan nationals must leave Pakistan. He emphasized that the nation's resources should solely benefit its citizens while accusing the Kabul regime of fostering terrorism and operating as a "proxy for India." This declaration has further aggravated the existing diplomatic strife between the two countries, which have already faced numerous border-related incidents.

In a recent social media announcement, Asif proclaimed, "Afghans on Pakistani territory must return to their homeland. They now have governance in Kabul, and our resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis." This hardened stance signifies a notable shift in Islamabad's approach towards the Afghan Taliban government, stepping away from its previous cautious diplomacy.

The remarks come amid rising tensions following reports of Pakistani air strikes in Paktika province. The Taliban accused Pakistan of breaching a ceasefire, which they claimed had been "broken," while Pakistani officials asserted the strikes targeted militant positions associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Islamabad alleges is harbored by Kabul.

Expressing Pakistan's growing frustrations, Asif revealed that Islamabad had sent 836 protest notes and 13 diplomatic demarches to Afghanistan regarding recurring cross-border terrorism. "There will be no more notes or calls for peace," the minister asserted, adding that no delegations would visit Kabul. He warned that the sources of terrorism would face severe repercussions. His statements reflect a definitive end to Pakistan's patience with the Afghan authorities, especially in light of increasing attacks originating from across the border.

Moreover, Asif accused the Taliban of acting as an "agent of India," recalling that those now in power once sought refuge under Pakistan's protection. His comments illustrate the growing distrust, positioning the Afghan government as an alignment with Pakistan's regional adversary, India.

Highlighting the human and security toll on Pakistan since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, Asif noted that the country has endured 10,347 terrorist incidents resulting in 3,844 fatalities, including civilians and military personnel. According to him, these distressing statistics are a direct outcome of Kabul's inaction against militants operating within its borders. "Our restraint has come to an end," he declared.

Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan Taliban to combat militants on Afghan soil. However, Kabul has denied these claims, asserting that its territory isn't being used to launch attacks against its neighbors. The widening mistrust underscores a challenging path towards reconciliation, which appears distant.

Asif's remarks have sparked strong reactions among political analysts in Pakistan, who caution that the government's directive to expel Afghans and its aggressive rhetoric could lead to significant humanitarian setbacks and geopolitical repercussions. The potential for a refugee crisis looms given the long-standing presence of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Earlier in the week, Asif had stirred controversy by suggesting the mobilization of madrassa students as a "secondary line of defense" amid escalating tensions with India. His latest declarations underscore a consistent trend of hardline rhetoric from Islamabad, prioritizing national security and sovereignty over diplomatic solutions.

Asif's declaration coincides with the expiration of a 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistani forces and the Taliban, raising alarm over the possibility of renewed conflict along the precarious Durand Line. Though there are indications of potential peace talks in Doha, the tone from Islamabad indicates a staggering loss of trust in Kabul.

Concluding his statement with a defense of Pakistan's integrity, Khawaja Asif remarked, "Respectable nations do not thrive on foreign soil or resources. Pakistan is for Pakistanis — no one else."

With Asif's confrontational stance against Afghanistan, analysts warn that South Asia might be on the brink of a heightened phase of regional conflict. The relations between the two nations remain entangled in historical grievances and mutual distrust, presenting a daunting path forward.