Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif leveled serious allegations against India, stating that Afghanistan is spreading terror in Pakistan through a proxy war at Delhi's behest. He also warned of the failure of Istanbul talks and a potential open war.
Pakistan: Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif once again expressed displeasure over the friendly relations between India and Afghanistan. Calling Afghanistan India's puppet, he alleged that it is spreading terrorism in Pakistan at Delhi's behest. Khawaja Asif warned that if Afghanistan even looks towards Pakistan, it would receive a stern response. He accused India of waging a proxy war.
Failure of Istanbul Peace Talks
Asif stated that peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul abruptly broke down. He explained that whenever an agreement was close, a call would be made to Kabul, and the deal would be withdrawn. He added that Afghan negotiators engaged in complex and difficult discussions, but those in Kabul were dancing to India's tunes. He claimed that India was taking revenge for its defeat on its western border through Kabul.
Disclosure on Drone Operations with the US
For the first time, Khawaja Asif publicly admitted that Pakistan has permission to conduct drone operations with the United States. He stated that this agreement cannot be broken. This angered the Afghan side, which demanded that Pakistan not operate drones in Afghan airspace.
Threat Against Afghanistan
Asif said that Afghanistan has been using terrorists for the past four years. He warned that if Afghanistan even glances towards Islamabad, Pakistan would respond sternly. He asserted that both Kabul and Delhi are playing the game of terror together, and Pakistan will not tolerate it.
Direct Allegations Against India
Khawaja Asif stated that there are individuals in the Afghan government who visited India and bowed at temples there. He alleged that India is running a proxy war in Pakistan through Afghanistan. The second round of talks began in Istanbul on October 25, but despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, the talks failed.
Warning of Open War
Asif warned that if the talks fail, an open war could ensue. He stated that Kabul is responsible for terrorism, and Delhi is its mastermind. Pakistan will give a befitting reply to any attack and ensure its security.
Asif repeatedly clarified that the Afghan government is entirely under India's control. He stated that Kabul's leaders have made their decisions based on Delhi's advice and directives. Consequently, Afghan actions towards Pakistan have always been suspicious and antagonistic.
Khawaja Asif also stated that Pakistan would take every possible measure to protect its western borders. He said that if Afghanistan or India launches any proxy attack, the response would be immediate and severe. Under this, Pakistan would fully utilize its military and intelligence resources.
