Asif accuses the Haqqani Network of treason and demands clarity on Pakistan’s support

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has publicly accused individuals associated with the Haqqani network of betraying decades of Pakistani support and allowing terrorists to operate from Afghan territory against Pakistan.

In a post on X, Asif recalled Pakistan’s support for Afghan fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War following the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979. He said Pakistan had stood “wholeheartedly” with Afghan resistance leaders and hosted millions of refugees, many of whom still live and work in Pakistan.

“You were our guests; we extended hospitality to your families,” he wrote. “Millions of these guests are still on Pakistani soil earning their living.”

Asif said that during the anti-Soviet campaign, both sides had pursued a common goal shaped by the United States.

Referring to the period after the September 11 attacks in the United States, he said Pakistan supported NATO operations in Afghanistan and acted as a facilitator. However, he said Islamabad was repeatedly accused by Washington of aiding the Haqqani network.

He challenged Haqqani leaders to clarify publicly whether claims that Pakistan had provided support to the network were true or false. “You tell the world,” he wrote.

The statement comes amid escalating clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces. Pakistan says at least 331 Taliban terrorists have been killed in a major military operation launched after what it described as unprovoked cross-border attacks from Afghanistan.

Asif accused the Afghan authorities of providing safe havens to terrorists responsible for attacks inside Pakistan, including violence against civilians and children. He said he had personally raised these concerns during a visit to Kabul and sought assurances that Afghan soil would not be used for hostile activities against Pakistan.

While financial assistance had been discussed, he said no guarantees were made.

He urged the current leaders to uphold the legacy associated with the Haqqani name and called for mutual non-interference between the two neighbors.

“We ask nothing of you. You remain contented in your home; we remain contented in ours,” he wrote.

“By all means, settle our enemies in your home. But do not join them to play the part of the enemy against us. Do not let your land be used against us.”

“Our tradition, culture and religion teach us that for the home where we have sought refuge, we wish them well. Allahu Akbar. Pakistan Zindabad. Whether you remember it or not…Made in America Jihad.”