Islamabad: Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has alleged that India is contributing to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, claiming that Kabul and New Delhi are closely aligned against Islamabad.
Speaking amid escalating clashes along the Pakistan Afghanistan border, Asif said the violence affecting Pakistan is part of a broader proxy conflict. He suggested that India’s growing engagement with Afghanistan has increased Pakistan’s security concerns.
The remarks come as fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified in recent days. Pakistani forces carried out strikes on targets in Afghan cities including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, describing the action as retaliation against militant groups blamed for attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities denied harbouring militants and condemned the strikes.
Officials in Islamabad accuse the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan fighters to operate from Afghan territory. Kabul rejects the claim and says Pakistan’s actions violate its sovereignty. Border clashes have reportedly resulted in casualties, destruction of security posts and displacement of civilians living near the frontier.
Analysts say Pakistan is increasingly wary of India’s diplomatic outreach to Kabul and fears strategic encirclement. India has expanded contacts with Afghan authorities and maintained humanitarian and development assistance, which Islamabad views with suspicion.
Observers note that the conflict is driven primarily by cross border militancy, disputes over the Durand Line boundary and long standing mistrust between the two neighbours. However, regional rivalries, particularly between India and Pakistan, continue to shape political narratives surrounding the crisis.
The escalating confrontation has raised fears of a prolonged conflict that could worsen humanitarian conditions, increase displacement and further destabilise the wider South Asian region.