Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warns Afghanistan's Taliban-led government against continued support for militants, saying Pakistan would respond the same way it had to India.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed the National Assembly in Islamabad on May 13, 2026. He emphasized that there was no difference between Kabul and Delhi, stating that both were currently supporting militants who posed a threat to Pakistan's security. "There is no difference between Delhi and Kabul," Asif said while addressing the assembly.

Asif highlighted that the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan had become an Indian proxy and was unwilling to provide concrete assurances regarding cross-border terrorism. He noted that Afghan authorities only made verbal commitments, lacking written guarantees from Kabul.

"If they do not stop backing terrorists, then there will be war," Asif warned, adding that Pakistan had attempted to resolve the issue through dialogue involving Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. "We tried very hard to make them understand with the support of three countries," he said, referring to diplomatic efforts involving the Taliban administration.

The minister also mentioned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government had not cooperated with the federal government for a long period in dealing with security challenges but noted that cooperation had now improved. During his speech, opposition members shouted slogans and interrupted proceedings as Asif praised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. "Our armed forces are giving unconditional sacrifices," he said, adding that every citizen sacrificing their life at the border represented Pakistan's identity.

The ties between neighboring nations have plummeted in recent years due to Pakistan's repeated calls for the Taliban to ensure their territory is not used for terrorism against Islamabad—a commitment they have yet to fulfill. While friendly countries have sought to ease tensions, Pakistan has made it clear that it would not compromise on the safety of its people and stresses repeatedly that the Taliban regime should ensure it does not support militancy.

Efforts by Turkey and Qatar to mediate a truce last year briefly eased tensions but failed to secure a lasting agreement between Islamabad and Kabul.