Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned against relying on mixed signals from the Taliban regarding their stance on militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He insists that there has been no tangible change in support for these groups operating against Pakistan.
Asif responded to reports suggesting that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had instructed TTP to cease attacks inside Pakistan, stating such reports have not translated into any practical developments on the ground. The minister urged the Taliban leadership to publicly and unequivocally end its backing of the outlawed group.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February 2026, following a ceasefire agreed upon in October 2025 after border clashes between the two countries. Despite several rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to resolve their differences, with Pakistan repeatedly calling on Afghan authorities to act against militant groups using Afghan soil to launch attacks.
Asif also rejected recent remarks by India’s army chief, stating that New Delhi was still grappling with the consequences of its setback during last year’s conflict with Pakistan. He accused India of using Afghanistan as a platform for a proxy conflict against Pakistan and warned that any renewed hostilities would be met with a strong response from Pakistan’s armed forces.