In a candid interview on Tuesday, the senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) spoke openly about the growing security threat emanating from Afghanistan. He said Pakistan cannot afford to remain a silent observer while terrorist networks operate across the border.

‘Terrorism from Afghan territory has not stopped,’ Asif stated. ‘If they are merely spectators, then they become partners in the crime.’ While he did not specify a timeline, he made it clear that a response may come sooner rather than later. ‘I cannot give a final date, but we will have to respond as early as possible,’ he said.

Talks and Tensions

The minister revealed that third-party negotiations are underway, suggesting that regional stakeholders are aware of the damage caused by delays. ‘We are ready to talk,’ he emphasized, ‘but it cannot be that one day we negotiate and the next day their men carry out attacks inside Pakistan.’

He added that communication with Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government continues through various channels. However, he noted that Afghan officials have expressed reluctance to provide written guarantees against militant activity. ‘They say they cannot give written guarantees, only verbal assurances,’ Asif said.

According to him, broader regional cooperation may offer a way forward. If neighboring countries jointly guarantee stability in Afghanistan, financial support mechanisms could also be explored to encourage peace.

Red Lines and National Unity

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Asif also addressed domestic political tensions. He criticized Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for referring to the Pakistan Army as a ‘force of four districts,’ calling the remark ‘irresponsible.’

‘The armed forces do not belong to any district or province,’ he said firmly. ‘They belong to the entire country.’ He stressed that the sacrifices of soldiers form a national red line that must not be crossed in political debates.

‘Everyone has the right to their opinion,’ he noted, ‘but attacking national institutions weakens unity at a time when unity is our greatest strength.’

The Human Cost of War

The defense minister presented detailed figures on casualties in the fight against terrorism. From 2021 to February 10, 2026, a total of 3,141 personnel have been martyred in security operations.

Among them were 170 officers, 212 junior commissioned officers, and 2,759 soldiers. Punjab recorded the highest number of martyrs at 1,657, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 534, Sindh with 452, Azad Kashmir with 234, Gilgit-Baltistan with 161, and Balochistan with 103.

‘These numbers reflect the heavy price we are paying for peace,’ Asif said, describing the sacrifices as a symbol of the nation’s resolve.

He also disclosed that more than 200 militants have been killed in recent operations in Balochistan, underlining that such actions are necessary to uphold the state’s authority.

Politics and Principle

Turning to broader political matters, Asif defended his party’s leadership and stressed the importance of principle over personal gain. ‘Some politicians operate in a gray area and fight for personal interests,’ he remarked. ‘But soldiers who lay down their lives do not change their loyalty.’

He urged political actors to put national interest above party lines, arguing that security and stability must remain the shared goal of all stakeholders.

As Ramadan approaches, Pakistan stands at a delicate crossroads balancing diplomacy with decisive action, and political debate with the need for national unity. Whether dialogue or force takes precedence in the coming weeks, the message from Islamabad is clear, the status quo is no longer acceptable.