Pakistan Defence Minister Accuses India of Backing Afghan Taliban, Vows Forceful Response if Afghan Soil Used Against Pakistan

Islamabad:Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly accused India of supporting the Afghan Taliban and using Afghan territory to wage a “low-intensity” campaign against Pakistan, asserting Islamabad has evidence of ties between New Delhi and Taliban elements. ([Reuters][1])

In an interview with regional media, Khawaja Asif said the Taliban have effectively become an Indian “proxy” and charged that attacks and incursions against Pakistani forces have coincided with visits or contacts between Taliban officials and Indian interlocutors. He warned that if Afghanistan’s soil is used to facilitate terrorism against Pakistan, Islamabad will respond with decisive force. ([Reuters][1])

Asif recalled recent clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters, saying Pakistan had answered Taliban aggression “forcefully” and suffered casualties among its own troops in the exchanges. He reiterated that diplomatic channels remain open but stressed Pakistan’s right to self-defence if cross-border attacks continue. ([Reuters][1])

The defence minister also referenced a previous period of direct confrontation with India, saying Pakistan had inflicted significant damage on Indian air assets in a short conflict and claiming U.S. attention to those events. Local media reported Asif’s remark that “seven brand-new” Indian aircraft had been downed in that engagement — a comment he said had even been mentioned by the U.S. president. ([Dawn News][2])

Pakistan’s statements come amid heightened tensions following cross-border incidents and reports of secretive talks and failed negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul aimed at stopping militant groups from operating across the frontier. Islamabad says it has presented evidence of militant sanctuaries and outside support, while Kabul and the Taliban regime have repeatedly denied state complicity. ([Reuters][1])

Analysts warn the rhetoric raises the risk of further escalation in an already volatile region, where accusations and retaliatory strikes have periodically flared into broader clashes. Khawaja Asif said Pakistan prefers peace but will “give a crushing response” if Afghan territory is used to stage attacks against it. ([Reuters][1])