ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has delivered a scathing and emotional response to senior Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, reminding him of Pakistan’s decades of hospitality and sacrifices, while condemning what he described as betrayal by those who were once guests on Pakistani soil.
The Minister’s statement came after recent remarks by Haqqani suggesting that Afghanistan would unitedly fight against Pakistan. Asif’s reply traced the decades-long relationship between Pakistan and Afghan factions, contrasting past solidarity with current hostility.
“Haqqani Sahib, in your past wars against the Soviet Union, Pakistan stood with you wholeheartedly. You were our guest and hosted your families for decades,” Asif stated, reminding the Taliban leader of Pakistan’s role during the 1980s jihad against Soviet forces.
The Defence Minister highlighted that millions of Afghans still reside in Pakistan as refugees, earning their livelihood from what he termed “our holy soil.” He specifically reminded Haqqani that he and his family had also been guests in Pakistan.
Asif addressed the historical irony of accusations leveled against Pakistan following 9/11, when the United States alleged that Islamabad was facilitating the Haqqani network. “We were asked for your address. Do you remember anything? Was the accusation of your facilitation against us true or false, you tell the world yourself,” he challenged.
The Minister recounted Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between warring Afghan factions, noting that Islamabad repeatedly intervened to prevent bloodshed. “We have honored three generations, starting from your elders. What a reward you have received? You shelter our murderers, touch the chests of those who play Holi with the blood of innocent children.”
Referring to his personal visit to Kabul, Asif revealed: “I went to Kabul and met you. I had made a request: do not become allies of our enemies, do not support them. You asked for money, we were ready to give that too, but there was no guarantee.”
In a deeply personal appeal, the Defence Minister invoked the meaning of Haqqani’s name: “The reason why you are called Haqqani was a great elder. Take care of this name.”
Asif made Pakistan’s position unequivocally clear: “We do not ask anything from you. You be content with your home, we be content with our home. Do not let our land be used against us.”
Concluding with a reference to the historical context of regional conflict, Asif remarked: “You may remember or not. Made in America Jihad.”
The statement reflects Pakistan’s profound sense of betrayal by factions it once supported, as cross-border tensions continue to escalate with Operation Ghazab Lil Haq entering its most intense phase.
