Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused India of waging a proxy war against Pakistan through Afghanistan as cross-border hostilities between Islamabad and Kabul intensified into military exchanges. Speaking in a televised interview, Asif alleged that India and Afghan authorities were acting in coordination against Pakistan, claiming that New Delhi was supporting hostile actions along the border. He asserted that India, Kabul, and militant groups operating in Afghanistan were “on the same page,” though he did not present any evidence to substantiate the allegation.
When questioned about whether he was suggesting that India was directing Afghan actions against Pakistan, Asif responded affirmatively but acknowledged that India would deny such claims. Pressed further for proof, he maintained that the seriousness of the situation itself justified the accusation, without offering verifiable details. He also admitted that Pakistan currently lacks direct diplomatic contact with Afghanistan’s Taliban administration and has sought mediation through friendly countries, efforts that have so far produced no breakthrough.
The remarks come amid rapidly escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by cross-border strikes and retaliatory military operations. Afghan forces reportedly launched attacks on Pakistani border positions and claimed to have captured several posts, describing the action as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted terrorist camps.
Reports of explosions were later heard in Kabul, although Pakistan has not issued an official statement confirming any response to those developments. The confrontation represents one of the most serious escalations between the two neighbours in recent months and follows a pattern of recurring clashes along the disputed Durand Line, the 2,611-kilometre border that Afghanistan has historically refused to formally recognise.
Relations between the two countries have remained strained, with earlier incidents including deadly border clashes and accusations exchanged after explosions in Kabul that Afghan authorities blamed on Pakistan. The latest escalation underscores deep mistrust between the two sides, while Asif’s allegations against India add a broader geopolitical dimension to an already volatile regional situation.
