Pakistan Accuses Afghanistan of Being India’s Proxy as Border Tensions Boil Over

Pakistan’s defence minister issued a severe warning to Afghanistan. Khawaja Asif spoke on Friday as a temporary ceasefire ended. He stated Pakistan can no longer maintain its past relationship with Kabul.

The minister demanded all Afghans in Pakistan return home. He warned that sources of terrorism would pay a “heavy price.” This escalation follows a deadly attack on Pakistani soldiers.

Ceasefire Ends Amidst Accusations and Airstrikes

The 48-hour truce between the neighbours concluded. Reports suggest talks may continue in Doha. The situation remains highly volatile.

According to Reuters, Asif claimed Pakistan issued 836 protest notes to Afghanistan. He also cited 13 formal demarches. He stated these efforts for peace saw little positive response from the Taliban government.

The defence minister made a serious allegation. He claimed Afghanistan has become a “proxy of India.” He accused Kabul of conspiring with New Delhi and the banned TTP against Pakistan.

Cricket Withdrawal and Civilian Deaths Deepen Crisis

The conflict’s impact spread to sports. The Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from an upcoming T20I series with Pakistan. This decision followed the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in airstrikes.

The board called the Pakistani strikes a “cowardly attack.” It expressed deep sorrow for the martyred players. This move highlights how deeply the tensions have permeated bilateral relations.

Afghan star Rashid Khan condemned the aerial strikes. He said targeting civilian infrastructure is “absolutely immoral and barbaric.” He supported the cricket board’s decision to withdraw.

Pakistan faces threats on multiple fronts. The minister acknowledged an internal front could also emerge. The nation remains on high alert.

The situation at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains critical, with diplomatic channels strained and the Pakistan Afghanistan conflict escalating into a wider regional crisis. The path to de-escalation appears increasingly difficult.

Thought you’d like to know

What started the latest Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions?

Tensions escalated after repeated TTP attacks from Afghan soil. A recent attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed 11 Pakistani military personnel. This prompted a military response from Pakistan.

How has the conflict affected sports?

Afghanistan withdrew from a tri-nation T20 cricket series with Pakistan. This followed the death of three Afghan cricketers in Pakistani airstrikes. The board called the attack cowardly.

What casualties has Pakistan reported?

Pakistan reported 3,844 people killed in terrorist attacks since 2021. This includes civilians and security personnel. The attacks total 10,347 incidents.

What is Pakistan’s main accusation against Afghanistan?

Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban government of harboring TTP militants. It also alleges Afghanistan has become a proxy for India. These claims are strongly denied by Kabul.

Are there any ongoing peace talks?

Reports indicate delegations may meet in Doha for talks. This follows the expiration of a short-lived ceasefire. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.