Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan cannot continue to host illegal Afghan refugees indefinitely, asserting that the country will protect its borders and uphold its sovereign right to repatriate all those residing without valid documents.
Speaking in a private television programme, the minister said that safeguarding Pakistan’s borders is the exclusive responsibility of the federal government and not of the provinces. He emphasised that the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals falls squarely within the federal domain and that Pakistan’s stance is in line with international norms governing sovereign states.
“The time has come for Afghan refugees who have lived in Pakistan for decades to return to their homeland,” Khawaja Asif said. He maintained that Pakistan has shown exceptional patience and generosity toward millions of Afghan refugees over the years, but the current security and economic challenges necessitate firm action.
Reiterating Islamabad’s principled position on regional security, the defence minister said the Afghan Taliban cannot simultaneously threaten Pakistan and seek dialogue. “Threats and negotiations cannot go hand in hand,” he remarked, adding that if the Taliban are confident in their threats, they should act on them before speaking of talks.
He clarified that Pakistan’s recent defensive actions were solely directed against terrorist hideouts across the border and not Afghan civilians. “Pakistan has never targeted any civilian population. Our operations were aimed only at terrorist sanctuaries responsible for attacks inside Pakistan,” he said.
The minister further stated that Afghanistan’s territory has regrettably become a safe haven for various militant outfits that threaten Pakistan’s peace and stability. Commenting on recent statements by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Khawaja Asif said such claims lack credibility. “Pakistan has always acted with responsibility and ensured that civilian lives are protected,” he added.
Khawaja Asif reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to secure its borders and pursue policies that protect its national interests. “Like any other sovereign nation, Pakistan will defend its territory, enforce its laws, and ensure that those residing illegally are returned in a dignified and lawful manner,” he concluded.
