Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that all Afghan nationals living in Pakistan should return to their country, emphasizing that national resources are designated for Pakistani citizens. This firm statement arrives during a period of heightened bilateral tensions and ongoing security disputes.
“All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government, their own caliphate in Kabul,” Asif stated, highlighting that Pakistan’s land and resources are intended solely for its 250 million people. He conveyed that this marks a new era in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, moving away from diplomatic overtures like “protest notes or appeals for peace.” The minister also accused Kabul of aligning with India and harboring TTP militants.
The current crisis involves cross-border military actions, with Pakistan targeting alleged TTP hideouts and Afghanistan responding with retaliatory strikes. These confrontations have led to casualties and a significant breakdown in trust. Although a temporary ceasefire was observed, Pakistan launched further attacks, prompting condemnation and the cancellation of a cricket series. Afghanistan has consistently refuted claims of its territory being used to destabilize neighbors, asserting its commitment to regional peace and good relations.