Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clearly stated that the country no longer expects anything positive from the Afghan Taliban as tensions between the two sides continue to rise. Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, he said, “Today we are completely writing them off, and we do not expect anything good from them.”

Rising Tensions and New Allegations

His remarks came shortly after Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan—through a post on the social media platform X—of carrying out overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces.
Khawaja Asif rejected the allegation, saying, “Our military spokesperson has already denied these claims. Targeting civilians is absolutely not our method. We have a disciplined force, not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who have no code of conduct, no religion, and no tradition.”

Questions on Islamic Law and Trade

The minister expressed anger over the Taliban’s warning of retaliation “according to Islamic law,” questioning, “What kind of self-created Sharia is this?”
He added that Pakistan does not care which route the Afghan Taliban use for trade with India, because “in the end, all the goods are sold in our market anyway.”

Failed Talks and Possible Regional Involvement

Calling the Taliban’s threats “just words,” Khawaja Asif said that trusting them would be the “biggest foolishness.” He noted that after the Taliban took control of Kabul, he personally welcomed them and visited several times, yet their attitude never changed.

He further said the situation may reach a point where peace-seeking regional neighbours—Türkiye, Iran, and Qatar—may have to intervene. Otherwise, the Taliban’s increasing isolation will eventually lead to their downfall.

Background: Strained Relations Over Cross-Border Terrorism

Pakistan–Afghanistan relations remain under severe strain due to cross-border attacks carried out by the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Multiple rounds of talks held in Istanbul failed to achieve any progress. On November 7, Khawaja Asif announced that the negotiations had entered an “indefinite phase.”
Pakistan maintains that the revival of trade ties depends on ending terrorism originating from Afghan soil.