Pakistan will take decisive steps against the Afghan Taliban at an appropriate time

Threat issued by Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif

Islamabad (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif warns, “Pakistan will take firm and decisive action against the Afghan Taliban at a suitable time. He stated that the response could take the form of military action, and Islamabad may also consider severing diplomatic ties. Pakistan will not tolerate support being provided to terrorist organisations operating against it, and the country will not exercise patience for long,” he cautioned.

Asif accused the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan of sheltering and assisting terrorists linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He further alleged that, in the current situation, Afghanistan is behaving like a hostile nation toward Pakistan.

Direct action against Afghanistan, not advisable at present – Khawaja Asif

The defence minister said, “ the situation in the entire region is highly sensitive now. Threat related to Iran, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, especially in Palestine and Yemen, along with instability in several parts of Africa, have further complicated the situation. In view of these factors, it would not be wise to initiate direct military action against Afghanistan. Pakistan must proceed with extreme caution to avoid being drawn into a major regional crisis.”

Expanding cooperation with Türkiye

Asif also indicated that defence and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye is growing steadily. He noted that discussions on key matters are ongoing between the two countries. While he did not disclose details of any specific agreements, he said the situation would become clearer soon.