Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred controversy with remarks warning of a potential two-front war, amid heightened border tensions with India and escalating clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Two-Front War Warning

  • During a televised interview, Asif stated Pakistan is “prepared for a two-front war” and warned of “strong chances” that India could attempt to “play dirty along the border.”
  • He confirmed that strategies are in place, though he declined to discuss details publicly.

Targeting Afghan Refugees

  • Asif criticized Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, claiming they have “given nothing to Pakistan except terrorism.”
  • He added that illegal Afghan residents should leave, stating past Afghan rulers had taken refuge in Pakistan without acknowledging the country’s assistance.
  • “Pakistan has destroyed its own peace because of these relations,” Asif said.

Escalating Tensions with the Taliban

  • The minister previously accused the Taliban government of waging a proxy war for India, raising doubts about the sustainability of the ceasefire along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
  • Recent clashes followed Pakistani strikes on TTP camps in Kabul, with both sides reporting heavy casualties.
  • Taliban forces seized Pakistani outposts and equipment, including a T-55 tank, further exposing gaps in Islamabad’s intelligence and surveillance.
  • After a week of intense hostilities, Pakistan and the Taliban agreed to a temporary ceasefire, mediated by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Context

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have escalated since the TTP resumed attacks inside Pakistan, killing hundreds of soldiers since 2021. The Taliban’s retaliatory attacks and seizure of Pakistani positions have intensified Islamabad’s security concerns.