New Delhi, Oct 18, 2025:

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday called on all Afghans living in Pakistan to return to their homeland, stating that Pakistan’s land and resources belong solely to its 250 million citizens. Posting on social media, Asif said the old era of friendly relations with Afghanistan is over and warned that Pakistan will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism or acts against its national security. He claimed that Afghanistan has acted as a “proxy for India” in alliance with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), conspiring against Pakistan despite past support and protection offered to Kabul.

The statement comes amid rising tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where a recent 48-hour ceasefire had expired. Reports suggest the truce was extended to allow peace talks in Doha. However, the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in districts of Paktika province along the Durand Line, claiming the ceasefire had been violated. Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s patience had ended after repeated incidents of cross-border militancy, and the country would now respond firmly to any threat.

Asif revealed that Pakistan had previously sent 836 protest notes and 13 formal diplomatic demarches to Afghanistan over terror incidents, but received no positive response. He warned that there would be no more appeals, protest notes, or delegations to Kabul, and any source of terrorism would face severe consequences. Pakistan has consistently demanded that the Taliban prevent militants from using Afghan territory for attacks, but Kabul denies the allegations.

Highlighting the human and security costs, Asif noted that since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Pakistan has faced 10,347 terror attacks that killed 3,844 people, including civilians and security personnel. He said Islamabad’s priority is now national security and protecting its citizens, asserting that any aggression from across the border would be met with a strong response.

Asif’s remarks underline Pakistan’s defensive and nationalistic stance, emphasizing that self-respecting nations cannot depend on foreign lands or resources. The Defence Minister also criticized the Taliban leadership for allegedly aligning with India against Pakistan, despite previously being hosted and supported on Pakistani soil. This latest exchange marks one of the sharpest escalations in rhetoric between Islamabad and Kabul in recent years.

The call for Afghans to return home and the accusations against the Taliban reflect the growing strain in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. While Islamabad frames its stance as protecting national sovereignty and citizens’ security, the ongoing tensions raise concerns about the stability of the border region and the prospects for dialogue. The upcoming talks in Doha may offer a platform for negotiation, but Asif’s firm message signals that Pakistan is prepared to take strict measures if cross-border threats continue.

The situation continues to evolve, with both nations under international scrutiny as they navigate the delicate balance between security, diplomacy, and regional stability.

 Pakistan Orders Afghans to Return, Warns Against Cross-Border Attacks

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has demanded that all Afghans living in Pakistan return home, saying the country’s land and resources belong to its 250 million citizens. He accused Kabul of supporting militants and acting as a “proxy for India,” warning that Pakistan will respond firmly to any aggression. The remarks follow a tense border situation and airstrikes in Paktika province, after a 48-hour ceasefire. Asif said Pakistan’s patience has ended after repeated cross-border attacks and emphasized that self-respecting nations cannot depend on foreign lands. Talks in Doha are expected to seek a resolution.