Asif accuses Haqqani network of betrayal, demands clarity on Pakistan’s support

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has publicly accused figures linked to the Haqqani Network of betraying decades of Pakistani support and allowing terrorists to operate from Afghan territory against Pakistan.

In a post on

“You were our guests; we extended hospitality to your families,” he wrote. “Millions of those guests are still on Pakistani soil, earning a living.”

Asif said that during the anti-Soviet campaign, both sides pursued a shared goal shaped by the United States.

Referring to the period after the 9/11 attacks on the United States, he said Pakistan supported NATO operations in Afghanistan and acted as a facilitator. However, he said Washington repeatedly accused Islamabad of helping the Haqqani Network.

He challenged Haqqani leaders to publicly clarify whether allegations that Pakistan had provided support to the network were true or false. “Tell the world,” he wrote.

The statement comes amid escalating clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces. Pakistan says at least 331 Taliban terrorists have been killed in a major military operation launched after what it described as unprovoked cross-border attacks from Afghanistan.

Asif accused Afghan authorities of providing shelter to terrorists responsible for attacks inside Pakistan, including violence against civilians and children. He said he had personally raised these concerns during a visit to Kabul and sought assurances that Afghan soil would not be used for hostile activities against Pakistan.

While financial assistance had been discussed, he said no guarantees were offered.

He urged current leaders to uphold the legacy associated with the Haqqani name and called for mutual non-interference between the two neighbors.

“We don’t ask anything of you. You are happy in your house; we are happy in ours,” he wrote.

“Of course, establish our enemies in your house. But do not join them to play the role of enemy against us. Do not allow your land to be used against us.”

“Our tradition, culture and religion teach us that we wish the home we have taken refuge in well. Allahu Akbar. Pakistan Zindabad. Whether you remember it or not…Jihad made in America.”