2025-10-20T13:02:07Z

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In a world where political alliances shift like sand, one claim has electrified the airwaves: Is Pakistan acting on behalf of the United States to engineer a regime change in Afghanistan? Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif vehemently dismissed these allegations as "total nonsense," igniting a fiery debate between the two neighboring nations.

These explosive remarks come on the heels of a week marred by deadly border clashes, the worst violence seen since the Taliban seized power in Kabul back in 2021. With dozens dead and hundreds injured, there’s no question that tensions are boiling over. Thankfully, both sides reached a ceasefire over the weekend in Doha and have plans to meet again in Istanbul on October 25 for further discussions.

The recent skirmishes were triggered by Pakistan's demand for Afghanistan to rein in militants launching attacks from its soil. Islamabad claims these militants are operating from safe havens in Afghanistan—a charge that Kabul firmly denies. Asif’s passionate rebuttal reveals a deeper need for stability: “For the last four or five decades we have had enough. We want to stay away and live like decent neighbors.”

He went on to reject any notion that Washington is orchestrating a plot to topple the Taliban, pointing out the cordial relations the Taliban maintains with the US. “If they think the US is trying to bring regime change over there, in my humble opinion, they have a comfortable relationship with the United States,” Asif stated.

Adding another layer to this complex relationship, Islamabad accuses India of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—a militant group opposed to the Pakistan government—with the Afghan government allegedly turning a blind eye. Asif’s comments coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, raising concerns in Pakistan about the implications of improved ties between Afghanistan and its historic rival.

Despite these pressures, Asif was clear that Pakistan has no qualms with Afghanistan's relationships with other nations as long as they do not threaten Pakistan’s security. “They can have a relationship with India or any other country, we have no business with that,” he noted, emphasizing Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful coexistence.

During recent discussions in Doha regarding the Taliban, Asif revealed that Türkiye and Qatar will now act as guarantors to ensure that the TTP no longer operates from Afghan soil. He disclosed that Afghanistan has previously acknowledged the TTP's presence and has even contemplated relocating these militants away from the border. “Everything hinges on this agreement, and the most important clause is that TTP should not be allowed to operate from their territory,” he explained.

Amid these negotiations, the Taliban’s primary request has been for the repatriation of Afghan refugees to be carried out with dignity. Asif shared that this sentiment is part of a broader agreement, ensuring a humane approach to deporting over 800,000 Afghans from Pakistan since the start of the year as part of a crackdown on undocumented individuals. “If they are going home, we wish them luck,” he said, reflecting a desire for stability in a country long beset by turmoil.