Pakistan accuses India of backing Taliban amid escalating border conflict with Afghanistan

Islamabad : Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply following intensified border clashes, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleging that India is responsible for the conflict and accusing the Taliban of acting as India’s proxy in the region. The remarks have added a new geopolitical dimension to an already volatile situation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.

In a statement shared on his official social media platform, Asif claimed that Pakistan had made repeated diplomatic efforts to normalize relations with the Taliban-led Afghan administration. However, he alleged that instead of improving ties, Afghanistan had become hostile towards Pakistan and was targeting it through indirect means.

“As NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan, it was expected that the Taliban would ensure peace and stability. Instead, Afghanistan has allegedly become a base for extremist elements and is acting in ways that threaten Pakistan’s security,” Asif stated. He further accused the Taliban regime of aligning with India and facilitating actions that undermine Pakistan’s territorial and national interests.

The Pakistan defence minister warned that Pakistan would respond decisively to any aggression. He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to counter threats and safeguard national sovereignty. His remarks come amid reports of increased skirmishes and military tensions in border regions, raising fears of a wider conflict between the two neighboring countries.

Pakistan has also claimed that despite diplomatic outreach through bilateral and international channels, efforts to improve relations with the Taliban government have not yielded results. Asif alleged that Afghanistan’s leadership was acting in a manner inconsistent with diplomatic norms and was allowing hostile activities against Pakistan.

These allegations are not new. Pakistan had previously blamed India for influencing Afghanistan’s policies and encouraging anti-Pakistan elements. During earlier clashes, Pakistani officials accused India of destabilizing the region and preventing peace between Islamabad and Kabul.

However, India has consistently rejected such accusations, stating that Pakistan’s claims are baseless and aimed at diverting attention from its own internal security challenges. Indian officials have in the past maintained that Pakistan has a history of blaming external forces for domestic and regional instability.

The latest escalation has raised concerns among international observers about stability in South Asia. The Pakistan–Afghanistan border has long been a flashpoint due to historical disputes, militant activity, and political tensions. Analysts warn that continued hostilities and mutual accusations could further destabilize the region and complicate diplomatic relations.

So far, there has been no official response from the Afghan Taliban government regarding the latest allegations. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.