Pakistan to Treat Afghanistan as a Neighbour, Not a ‘Brotherly’ State Anymore: Defence Minister

Islamabad— Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that the country will no longer consider Afghanistan as a “brotherly nation” but will instead treat it strictly as a neighbouring state, citing a significant erosion of mutual trust due to recent hostile actions.

Speaking to the media, the defence minister stated that Pakistan cannot maintain a soft approach as long as hostile activities from Afghan soil continue. “Border security has been tightened, and our defence preparedness has been ramped up,” he said.

Khawaja Asif also noted that Pakistan is closely monitoring potential Indian involvement in the region and has directed the relevant security forces to remain on high alert, with reinforced border management in place.

The minister added that diplomatic engagements with key Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, are ongoing in an effort to seek a peaceful resolution to the tensions through diplomatic means.

Read more: Khawaja Asif Warns of Deteriorating Pakistan-Afghanistan Ties, Accuses Kabul of Exporting Terrorism

Addressing the Afghan refugee issue, Khawaja Asif revealed that nearly 4 to 5 million Afghans reside in Pakistan, with some even having acquired Pakistani passports. However, he warned that if any individuals are found acting against Pakistan’s national interest, a process of “screening” could be initiated.

“There can be no negotiations with those whose hands are stained with the blood of our martyrs,” he said firmly.

Urging unity, the defence minister called on all political parties to come together on this sensitive national issue. “Political differences must take a back seat — there must be complete consensus on matters of national security,” he emphasized.

He warned that several groups operating from within Afghanistan pose a growing threat to regional stability, and called for heightened vigilance across all institutions.

The statement comes amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as Pakistan faces a surge in cross-border terrorism and challenges related to undocumented Afghan nationals.