SIALKOT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan are deteriorating, cautioning that the current environment could lead to further strain in bilateral ties, something Pakistan does not wish for.
Speaking to Geo News exclusively, the minister said that relations with Afghanistan had never been ideal, adding that terrorism was being exported from Afghan soil into Pakistan. “Pakistan wanted relations of respect and dignity, just like good neighbours,” he said, urging Afghanistan to cooperate in addressing cross-border terrorism.
Islamabad and Kabul are witnessing heightened tensions amid interim government’s reluctance to act against terrorist groups, operating from Afghan soil, in the backdrop of rising terror attacks in Pakistan. The country has witnessed a surge in cross-border terror incidents since Taliban rulers retuned to Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of KP and Balochistan.
The two nations share a porous border spanning around 2,500 kilometres with several crossing points which hold significance as a key element of regional trade and relations between the people across both sides of the fence. However, the issue of terrorism remains a key issue for Pakistan, which has urged Afghanistan to prevent its soil from being used by groups such as the TTP to carry out attacks inside the former’s territory.
Islamabad’s reservations have also been confirmed by a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which has revealed a nexus between Kabul and the TTP, with the former providing logistical, operational, and financial support to the latter. During today’s interview, Asif added that people living in areas where terrorists find refuge were usually aware of their presence.
