Overview
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday that Pakistan would wage an open war if Afghanistan did not stop militants using its soil.
- He said there is no difference between Delhi and Kabul and labeled the Taliban government an Indian proxy.
- He said talks mediated by Qatar, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia yielded only verbal promises and no written guarantees despite marathon sessions.
- His remarks followed a car bombing and ambush at a Bannu police post that killed at least 14 officers, a market blast in Lakki Marwat that killed at least nine people, and a roadside bomb in Barkhan that killed five soldiers.
- Asif said Pakistan still prefers dialogue if Kabul provides written assurances, as officials report TTP attacks from Afghan bases have surged since late 2025 and could trigger cross-border strikes.