Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly dismissed allegations that Islamabad is plotting a regime change in Afghanistan at the behest of the United States, calling the claims “completely baseless and fabricated.”
In an interview with Arab News, Asif clarified that Pakistan has no interest in interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. “The Taliban and the United States already enjoy cordial relations. Why would Pakistan need a change of government there?” he said.
He emphasised that after decades of involvement in Afghanistan’s affairs, Pakistan now wishes to live peacefully as a good neighbor.
Khawaja Asif also said that Pakistan does not object to Afghanistan maintaining ties with any country, including India, as long as such relations do not undermine Pakistan’s national interests.
“We respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty and their right to build relations. What matters to us is that their actions stay within mutually agreed limits,” he said, underscoring Islamabad’s stance on regional peace and non-interference.
Warning on ceasefire violations from Afghan soil
In a separate interview with Reuters, the defense minister cautioned that any attack originating from Afghan territory would be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
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“The Taliban regime must keep extremist groups under control. If infiltration from across the border stops, the agreement will remain intact,” Asif said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining stability along the border.
He described terrorism as the main source of tension in bilateral relations, noting that continued cross-border attacks could endanger the fragile peace.
No talks with banned TTP
Khawaja Asif also reiterated that Pakistan would not engage in dialogue with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“The actions of Fitna-al-Hindustan are the biggest threat to the agreement,” he said, adding that terror groups operating from Afghan soil remain a key concern.
He further noted that one of the core conditions of the ceasefire is that “Fitna-al-Khawarij” (a reference to extremist factions) should not be sheltered or supported by any side. Asif said the Afghan defense minister has agreed to this understanding.
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