Khawaja Asif Accuses India of Proxy War via Afghanistan

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday alleged that India is using Afghanistan as a platform for a proxy campaign against Pakistan, sharpening regional security rhetoric at a time when Islamabad is already dealing with serious pressure along its western border. The remarks were made during a television interview and quickly became one of the most prominent national political and security stories of the day.

Asif claimed that Afghanistan was being used to destabilise Pakistan through indirect means. He further alleged that both Pakistani and Afghan Taliban elements were receiving support from India, presenting the issue as a broader security challenge rather than an isolated cross-border concern.

The defence minister said Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and wants relations with neighbouring countries to be based on mutual respect, stability and cooperation. However, he argued that peace efforts must not be confused with weakness when the country faces threats from hostile networks or outside influence.

In his remarks, Asif urged national stakeholders to place state interests above personal or political gains. He said Pakistan’s broader security priorities must remain central as the country navigates a difficult regional environment involving Afghanistan, India and militant activity affecting internal stability.

The minister also referred to past hostilities with India, saying Pakistan’s armed forces had previously responded effectively to Indian actions. According to him, that response served as a deterrent and demonstrated Pakistan’s military readiness in the face of any future aggression.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over militant activity linked to its western border, particularly attacks blamed on groups operating from Afghan territory. Kabul has often denied allowing its soil to be used against Pakistan, but relations between the two neighbours have remained tense due to security incidents, border disputes and stalled diplomatic engagement.

The latest statement is significant because it combines Pakistan’s concerns about militancy with its long-running rivalry with India. By accusing New Delhi of using Afghanistan as a proxy route, Asif has raised the political temperature around an already sensitive regional issue that touches national security, diplomacy and counterterrorism policy.

For Pakistan, the implications are serious. If the government continues to frame the threat as a coordinated regional challenge, it could affect security planning, diplomatic outreach, border management and talks involving Afghanistan. It may also influence domestic political debate, especially as parties weigh in on national security strategy.

The coming days will show whether Asif’s remarks lead to an official diplomatic response or further statements from Pakistan’s security and foreign policy leadership. Islamabad is expected to continue presenting its security concerns forcefully while maintaining that it seeks peace and stability in the region.

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