Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Dismisses Claim That TTP Fighters Are Returning ‘Refugees,’ Warns of Strong Response if Afghan Soil Is Used Against Pakistan

Islamabad:Pakistan’s Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif** has rejected as “absurd and illogical” a claim by an Afghan delegation that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating from Afghan territory are in fact Pakistani refugees simply returning home.

In a post on social media, Khawaja Asif questioned how those portrayed as refugees could be heavily armed with destructive weapons and infiltrating Pakistan not by normal roads or vehicles but through difficult mountain routes like thieves. He called the Afghan delegation’s explanation evidence of poor intent and a lack of sincerity.

The defence minister reiterated Islamabad’s long-standing position that Pakistan has sought peaceful relations with Afghanistan but will not tolerate the use of Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan. He warned that if Afghanistan’s territory is used to support terrorism, Pakistan reserves the right to deliver a decisive response — including operations deep into Afghan territory if necessary.

Asif noted that Pakistan made genuine efforts to maintain peace and stability with Kabul, but said recent actions have taken a confrontational turn. “If the Afghan soil is used against Pakistan for terrorism, we will respond forcefully,” he declared, echoing earlier warnings in which he cautioned the Taliban regime against allowing outside influence to direct its policies.