Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused Afghanistan of acting as a “proxy for India”, as tensions between the two neighbours continue to rise following Pakistani airstrikes that killed three Afghan cricketers earlier this week.
Asif warned that Pakistan will no longer maintain its old ties with Kabul and declared that any territory or entity involved in terrorism against Pakistan would “pay a heavy price.”
Pakistan Issues Warning Amid Ceasefire Extension
The remarks came hours after the 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan expired on Friday evening. However, both sides reportedly agreed to extend the truce ahead of Doha peace talks.
“Pakistan can no longer afford to maintain relations with Kabul as it did in the past,” Asif posted on social media.
He added that all Afghans living in Pakistan must return home, saying:
“They now have their own government in Kabul. Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis. Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign soil.”
‘No More Protest Notes or Appeals for Peace’
Asif revealed that Pakistan had issued 836 protest notes and 13 demarches to Afghanistan over repeated border attacks.
“There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace. Wherever terrorism against Pakistan originates, it will face consequences,” he said.
The minister further alleged that Afghanistan was working alongside India and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to destabilize Pakistan.
“The rulers of Kabul, who were once under our protection, are now sitting in India’s lap and conspiring against us,” he claimed, without providing evidence.
Pakistan Ready for ‘Two-Front War’
Speaking on Samaa TV, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan remained prepared to defend itself against aggression from Afghanistan, claiming that the country now faces threats on two fronts — from the Afghan border and internal insurgencies.
“We are ready for any aggression; no one should harbour doubt,” he stated.
Asif added that since the Taliban takeover in 2021, 10,347 terrorist attacks have killed 3,844 people, including civilians and security personnel, across Pakistan.
Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation T20I Series
Amid the rising tensions, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17–29.
The ACB said the decision was a mark of protest following the deaths of three Afghan cricketers — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — in alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika Province.
“The ACB expresses its deepest sorrow over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District, who were targeted in a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime,” the statement read.
“As a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series.”
Star spinner Rashid Khan also condemned the attack, calling it “immoral and barbaric” and praised the ACB’s decision to withdraw.
“These actions represent a grave violation of human rights. Our national dignity must come before all else,” he wrote on X.
Doha Talks Continue Amid Tensions
Diplomatic sources told Reuters that delegations from both countries were expected to meet in Doha, Qatar, to resume negotiations.
The extension of the ceasefire came amid renewed hostilities and deadly cross-border attacks in recent weeks that have claimed dozens of lives on both sides.
Summary
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Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif calls Afghanistan “India’s proxy” amid rising hostilities.
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Pakistan warns of “heavy price” for any terror activity on its soil.
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Afghanistan withdraws from cricket series after airstrikes kill 3 players.
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Ceasefire extended ahead of Doha peace talks.
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