ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the current Afghan government maintains a close friendship with India and functions as a proxy against Pakistan.
Speaking to a private television channel, the Defense Minister detailed his past official meetings with former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Taliban founder Mullah Omar, and his son, Mullah Yaqoob. Reflecting on his meeting with Mullah Yaqoob in Qatar, Asif recounted advising him that even if the Taliban did not view Pakistan’s enemies as their own, they should at least refrain from befriending them.
Asif stated that the Afghan Taliban does not take any steps without India’s consent.
He revealed that during three separate meetings, he requested written guarantees from the Afghan Taliban ensuring that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan, but they refused to provide any commitment.
Warning neighboring adversaries, the Defense Minister declared that if India challenges Pakistan, its geography will be altered.
Additionally, commenting on regional water issues, Asif noted that the Indus Waters Treaty has operated successfully for 66 years, adding that the International Court of Arbitration recently ruled in Pakistan’s favor.
