Tensions with Afghanistan may worsen ‘but that’s not our desire’: Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned that Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan are heading towards further deterioration, stressing that Islamabad does not desire any escalation in tensions with its neighbour.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif said, “May God not bring a situation where relations with Afghanistan deteriorate to the point of greater tension and hostility.”

He emphasized that both nations must respect each other’s territorial integrity, saying, “We will respect their sovereignty if they respect ours — this is a two-way track, not a one-sided one.”

The Defence Minister stated that Pakistan only expects Afghanistan to fulfill its responsibilities as a neighbor. He reiterated Pakistan’s concerns that terrorism is being carried out from Afghan soil.

He added, “If we continue to lose lives daily and they take no action, this cannot be called good neighborly relations.”

Commenting on Afghanistan’s ties with India, Asif noted that their relationship has always been warm, both in the past and at present, and Pakistan has no objection to any state maintaining its own diplomatic relations.

The Defence Minister also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, saying it was encouraging that the deal was made directly with Hamas.

He paid tribute to the courage of the people of Gaza, saying the Palestinians have earned a place of honor in history for their struggle against oppression and brutality.