Pakistani Defence Minister Accuses Kabul Of Being India’s ‘Puppet’
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Afghan government of acting as a “puppet of Delhi” and warned that Pakistan will respond “50 times stronger” if Kabul attacks Islamabad or provides sanctuary to militants striking Pakistan.
Allegations And Warning
In remarks aired on a Pakistani television programme, Asif claimed that India is using Afghanistan to wage a “low-intensity war” against Pakistan. He accused Afghan authorities of backing militants targeting Pakistani forces. “If Afghanistan even looks at Islamabad, we will gouge their eyes out,” Asif declared. He further warned that if Pakistan is provoked, it will deliver a response fifty times stronger.
Context And Implications
The statements came amid unresolved border tensions and the recent collapse of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul. Pakistan has for some time accused Kabul of sheltering groups like the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that launch attacks across the border. Afghanistan denies these claims and insists it respects Pakistan’s territorial integrity. Analysts note the rhetoric raises the risk of escalation, particularly given the fragile state of the cease-fire and the prevalence of militant cross-border activity.
