Despite joining peace talks at the repeated requests of friendly countries, Pakistan has issued a strong response to the recent hostile remarks made by some officials of the Afghan Taliban government.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the Taliban officials’ comments as a reflection of the group’s “deceptive and divided mindset.” In a strongly worded post on the social media platform X, he warned the Taliban that Pakistan would not need to use even a fraction of its military power to completely destroy them or “push them back into the caves.” He added that if the Taliban chose confrontation, the world would once again witness a humiliating retreat similar to Tora Bora, serving as a grim reminder for the region.
Khawaja Asif expressed regret that the Taliban regime was dragging Afghanistan toward another conflict in order to maintain its illegitimate rule and sustain its war-based economy. Despite being fully aware of their weaknesses and the emptiness of their war rhetoric, he said, the Taliban were resorting to aggressive propaganda to preserve a collapsing image.
The minister further stated that if the Taliban government was determined to bring devastation upon Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, “so be it.”
Commenting on the oft-repeated phrase that Afghanistan is the “graveyard of empires,” Khawaja Asif clarified that Pakistan does not claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan has indeed become a graveyard for its own people. Historically, he said, Afghanistan has not been the graveyard of empires but rather their battleground.
Addressing Taliban fighters who benefit from ongoing instability in the region, the defence minister said they had likely misjudged Pakistan’s resolve and determination. “If the Taliban government wants a fight, the world will see that their threats are nothing more than a theatrical display,” he warned.
Khawaja Asif concluded with a stern message: “We have tolerated your betrayal and mockery long enough — but no more.” He warned that any terrorist attack or suicide bombing inside Pakistan would bring severe consequences. “Be assured,” he said, “if you wish, you may test our resolve and capabilities — but at your own risk and destruction.”
