Web Desk; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Tuesday that Pakistan and Afghanistan were close to finalizing an agreement during peace talks, but the Afghan side repeatedly backtracked after receiving directions from Kabul.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath, Asif said that the Afghan negotiators reversed their stance “four or five times” after consulting Kabul. “We had an agreement, but each time they contacted Kabul, the deal was withdrawn,” he said, alleging that India’s influence in Kabul had “sabotaged” the process.
He accused India of using Afghanistan to wage a proxy war against Pakistan, saying the Kabul government was acting as “a puppet of Delhi.” Asif warned that any aggression from Afghanistan would be met with a response “fifty times stronger.”
The minister emphasized that Pakistan sought peace but would defend itself firmly if provoked. “Afghanistan has been using terrorists against Pakistan for the past four years. Kabul is acting as Delhi’s tool,” he added.
Meanwhile, security sources said efforts were ongoing to salvage the talks, which began in Istanbul after a temporary ceasefire was reached in Doha. Sources said the Afghan delegation initially agreed to Pakistan’s demand for action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) but later withdrew under instructions from Kabul.
Mediators from Turkey and Qatar urged both sides to remain engaged, describing the continued dialogue as a sign of commitment to peace despite deep disagreements over mechanisms to ensure verifiable action against terrorist groups.
