Islamabad Escalates Rhetoric Over Regional Security
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused India of waging a proxy war against Pakistan through Afghanistan, escalating rhetoric over long-standing regional security.
Speaking in an interview with a private television channel, Asif claimed that Afghanistan is effectively acting as a proxy for India, asserting that New Delhi is using Afghan territory to destabilize Pakistan. He further alleged that both Pakistani and Afghan Taliban factions are receiving support from India.
Pakistan’s Stance on Regional Stability
The minister stated that Pakistan seeks stability and peace in the region, emphasizing that Islamabad aims to maintain relations with neighboring countries based on mutual respect and cooperation. He reiterated that Pakistan’s policy is rooted in peaceful coexistence, describing the country’s approach as that of a responsible neighbor committed to regional harmony.
Asif also underscored the importance of prioritizing national interests over personal considerations, urging stakeholders to set aside individual gains in favor of broader state objectives. His remarks come amid heightened tensions and ongoing security challenges along Pakistan’s western border.
Military Preparedness and Past Conflicts
Referring to past conflicts, the minister said the Pakistan Army had previously countered Indian actions effectively, stating that such responses hadred further aggression. He added that India would not risk launching another attack against Pakistan, the military’s preparedness and past outcomes.
The accusations follow a series of diplomatic exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with Pakistan’s Foreign Office recently rejecting what it called India’s “absurd and unwarranted” statement on actions in Afghanistan. Analysts suggest the latest remarks reflect deepening mistrust between Islamabad and New Delhi over influence in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.
