New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stirred controversy on Wednesday by linking India to ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, suggesting that New Delhi might provoke the border situation. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said India “could play dirty at the border” and stated that Pakistan is prepared for a “two-front war” in case of escalations.
Asked about the possibility of Indian provocations along the border, Asif responded, “No, absolutely, you cannot rule that out. There are strong possibilities.” When questioned whether strategic discussions had been held with the Prime Minister regarding a potential two-front conflict, he said, “Yes, strategies are in place. I can’t discuss them publicly, but we are prepared for any eventuality.”
Asif has previously accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of “fighting a proxy war” on India’s behalf, claiming that decisions taken by the Taliban are influenced by Delhi. Speaking to Geo News earlier this week, he alleged, “Right now, Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi,” despite Pakistan’s own history of supporting militant groups.
The remarks come amid rising Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. Islamabad and Kabul had agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire late Wednesday following cross-border skirmishes that resulted in multiple troop and civilian casualties. The ceasefire followed a week of clashes along the southern border, where the Taliban launched offensives that Pakistan claims target its territory, while Kabul denies harbouring Pakistani Taliban (TTP) groups.
Asif’s statements reflect Pakistan’s heightened security posture and its narrative linking regional instability to Indian influence, even as temporary ceasefires attempt to ease the immediate border crisis.
