- Asif urges Afghanistan not to allow militants to operate against Pakistan.
- He says Pakistan hosted Haqqani and millions of Afghan refugees for decades.
- He reminds Kabul that he supported NATO logistics after 9/11, facing subsequent accusations.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday reminded Afghan Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani of Pakistan’s past hospitality and support during the anti-Soviet war, while urging Afghan authorities to ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan.
In a post on X, the minister said Pakistan had supported Afghan fighters “heart and soul” during the Soviet-Afghanistan war.
He said Pakistan had taken in Haqqani and his family, along with millions of Afghan refugees, adding that many Afghan refugees still live in Pakistan and “earn a living on our sacred soil.”
Asif said both sides had fought a common war during the Soviet era, adding that the objective at that time had been defined by the United States.
Referring to the period after the 9/11 attacks, he said Pakistan supported NATO logistics but later faced accusations that it was facilitating the Haqqani network.
“They asked us about your location. Do you remember?” he said, asking Afghan leaders to clarify whether the allegations against Pakistan were true.
The minister said that between 1979 and the post-9/11 period, the United States reduced its commitment to Pakistan and Afghanistan as Islamabad attempted to reconcile Afghan factions.
He said Pakistan had even brought rival Afghan groups to Mecca for reconciliation efforts.
Asif expressed concern that despite decades of hospitality, Pakistan was now facing violence from groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil.
“Why do you give shelter to those who kill our children and innocent people?” he asked, adding that militants targeting Pakistan were being protected and treated as allies.
He said he had visited Kabul and asked Afghan leaders not to align themselves with groups hostile to Pakistan.
“We asked them not to support them. We were even willing to provide financial help if necessary, but there was no guarantee,” he said.
The defense minister said the lineage associated with the Haqqani name was historically respected and should be honoured.
“We are not asking anything of you. Live in peace in your own house and let us live in peace in ours,” he said.
He warned that Pakistan did not want its enemies given shelter or allowed to operate from Afghan territory.
“Allow them to be accommodated in your country if you wish, but do not play the role of our enemy by allowing your soil to be used against us,” he stressed.
“Our tradition, culture and religion teach us to wish good for the home that offers us refuge.”
“God is great. Pakistan Zindabad,” he added, concluding the post.
