Asif: Pakistan Seeks Peace, Not Tension With Afghanistan

DID Press: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Islamabad does not seek to escalate tensions with Afghanistan and prefers to resolve ongoing issues — particularly cross-border militancy — through dialogue and mutual respect.

“Pakistan wants peaceful and cooperative relations with Kabul. God forbid, relations between our two countries should not deteriorate further. It is better to resolve grievances rather than deepen hostilities,”Asif said in an interview with Samaa TV.

The minister reiterated that Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over militant attacks launched from Afghanistan soil.

“Almost every day, our borders are violated, our security forces and civilians are targeted, and we lose lives. If no action is taken, such conduct is not befitting of neighborly relations,” he added.

Asif emphasized that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and expects the same in return.

“This relationship must be reciprocal, not one-sided,” he said.

He urged the Taliban authorities to prevent illegal border crossings and make arrangements for the return of Afghanistan refugees.

“Pakistan’s position is not confrontational but stems from legitimate security concerns,” the minister noted.

Addressing questions about growing ties between Kabul and New Delhi, Asif said every country has the right to build its own relationships.

“We have no objection to Afghanistan’s relations with India,” he said. “But at the same time, they must also uphold their responsibilities as a neighbor.”