Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has strongly criticized the Afghan Taliban, calling Pakistan’s decades-long hospitality towards Afghans one of the country’s biggest mistakes.
Reacting to recent allegations by the Afghan Taliban, Khawaja Asif said the claims were coming from those “who orchestrate attacks on mosques, target worshippers in prayer, and carry out violence against unarmed civilians, markets, and schools.” He also accused them of being involved in drug smuggling as a source of income.
In a statement posted on X the minister said that those showing “ingratitude” were now targeting the very state that had provided them shelter for nearly 50 years.
He added that Pakistan not only hosted them but also stood against a superpower for their cause and extended hospitality across three generations.
Khawaja Asif further stated that despite repeated commitments, such elements failed to honor their promises and instead demanded financial compensation to fulfill agreements.
“We have made many mistakes in our 78-year history, but hosting them has been the gravest mistake,” he said, adding a prayer for forgiveness.
The remarks come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with both sides exchanging strong statements over security concerns and cross-border issues.
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