Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern directive, calling for all Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan to return to their homeland. This strong statement comes amidst escalating border tensions and ongoing accusations between the two nations. Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s resources are reserved for its own 250 million citizens, asserting that self-respecting nations do not depend on foreign lands.
“All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government, their own caliphate in Kabul,” Asif declared on social media. The minister’s remarks highlight a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, with Asif suggesting that the relationship with Afghanistan will never return to its previous state. He indicated a shift away from diplomatic overtures, stating, “There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace; no delegations will go to Kabul.”
The current friction is largely fueled by Pakistan’s allegations that Afghanistan harbors the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group actively targeting Islamabad. Recent cross-border strikes and retaliatory actions, including the capture of Pakistani military outposts, have intensified the conflict. Despite a brief ceasefire, Pakistan launched further strikes, reportedly causing casualties and leading to the cancellation of a cricket series. Afghanistan, however, maintains that its soil is not used for hostile activities against its neighbors and expresses a desire for peaceful relations.