‘Pakistan’s land belongs to its people’: All Afghans must return, warns defense minister

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on October 17 issued a forceful ultimatum to Afghanistan, declaring that all Afghans residing in Pakistan must return home. He said Pakistan’s land and resources are meant solely for its 250 million citizens, signaling a decisive end to the country’s traditional approach to its neighbor.

“All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland; they now have their own government, their own caliphate in Kabul,” Asif wrote on social media. “Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis.”

The warning comes amid escalating tensions along the Durand Line, as a 48-hour ceasefire reportedly expired October 17 evening. While reports suggested a possible extension and planned talks in Doha, the Taliban accused Islamabad of carrying out airstrikes in several districts of Paktika province, claiming the truce had been “broken,” according to AFP.

Asif blamed Kabul for repeatedly backing terrorists and accused the Taliban government of acting as a “proxy” for India. “The rulers of Kabul, who are now sitting in India’s lap and conspiring against Pakistan, were once under our protection, hiding on our land,” he said.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s “years of patience,” stating that Islamabad had sent 836 protest notes and 13 formal demarches over cross-border terror incidents, but received no positive response. “There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace; no delegations will go to Kabul,” he warned. “Wherever the source of terrorism lies, it will have to pay a heavy price.”

Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to defend itself, reiterating that any aggression from across the border would be met with a firm response. He cited the human and security toll since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, noting 10,347 terror attacks that claimed 3,844 lives, including civilians and security personnel.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations, insisting its soil is not used against any neighbour.

Asif framed his remarks as both a defensive and nationalist stance, declaring: “Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources.”