Khawaja Asif: Kabul-Islamabad Tensions Will Ease Soon

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed optimism about improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying that the situation between the two nations will soon return to normal.

Speaking to his country’s media, the Pakistani Defense Minister said that they are working with countries that maintain strong ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to facilitate the normalization of relations.

Pakistani media quoted Khawaja Muhammad Asif as saying:
“ We are working with countries that have strong ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to help normalize relations.”

Yousuf Amin Zazi, a military analyst, said: “In my opinion, the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, who share many commonalities, especially those living on both sides of the Durand Line, should be empowered to hold jirgas (tribal councils) and make decisions to improve relations.”

The Pakistani Defense Minister also emphasized that the issue of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains the primary concern in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He added that this issue has been raised with the interim Afghan government.

Previously, some Pakistani political and military officials have alleged that the TTP operates against Pakistan from Afghan soil—claims that the interim Afghan government has consistently rejected as baseless.

Moeen Gul Samkani, a political analyst, commented: “Pakistan needs to engage with us in a way that fosters positive and friendly relations. This should include cooperation in economic, cultural, and diplomatic areas.”

This comes amid ongoing challenges such as border area clashes, repeated Pakistani allegations of Afghan territory being used against Pakistan, and the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan over the past three years.