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As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into cross-border military strikes, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif resorted to his familiar rhetoric -- blaming India for the country’s security situation. He alleged that New Delhi colluded with Kabul to attack Pakistan, without providing any evidence to support his claim.
“So now they are actually, and I reiterate, that are now waging a proxy war against Pakistan. Delhi and Kabul and all these outfits, terrorism outfits in Kabul, they are on the same page,” he told France 24.
When the journalist sought clarification on whether he meant that India was directing Kabul to strike Pakistan, Asif replied, “Absolutely.”
Further pressed on whether he had any proof to support such a serious allegation, the minister responded, “It is a serious allegation because it is having serious consequences for us.”
“They (India) will not accept it. How can you expect them to accept it? They will keep denying it. But they enjoy a very good relationship with Kabul. And now we are facing a proxy war and we will, inshallah, we will,” Asif said in a recent interview.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan currently has no direct contact with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan and has approached friendly countries to mediate between the two sides, though none of the efforts have yielded results so far.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into near full-scale military operations and retaliatory strikes in recent days.
On Thursday night, Afghan forces launched strikes in Pakistan’s border areas and claimed to have captured several Pakistani army posts, marking the latest escalation between the volatile neighbours. The move was seen as retaliation for a recent Pakistani military strike inside Afghanistan earlier this week, which Islamabad described as a targeted operation against terrorists.
Hours after Afghanistan’s action, explosions and loud noises were reported in Kabul. However, Islamabad has not issued any formal statement on the developments so far.
The two countries share a 2,611-kilometre border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognised.
Relations between the neighbours have remained tense for months. Deadly border clashes in October killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants. The violence followed explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan, after which Islamabad conducted strikes deep inside Afghanistan targeting alleged militant hideouts.
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Published On:
Feb 27, 2026 08:28 IST
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