The Pakistani Defense Minister has warned that if cross-border attacks originating from Afghanistan continue, Islamabad reserves the right to enter Afghan territory in defense of its citizens.

According to Ansar News Agency, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense, stated that continued militant attacks from groups operating inside Afghanistan will compel Pakistan to take direct action beyond its borders if necessary.

In a post on the social media platform X , Asif sharply criticized Afghanistan’s ruling authorities, claiming that “extremist and subversive elements” are crossing from Afghan soil into Pakistan to carry out assaults against Pakistani security forces.

He wrote:

“If from the soil of Afghanistan, insurgents enter our country and shed blood, and if to avenge this blood we must enter Afghan territory, that is our right. Kabul has so far given no assurance that its land will not be used against us.”

Addressing the Taliban government, Asif added:

“Do not allow the sanctity of our soil to be violated; and likewise, we will not allow a single inch of your land to be harmed.”

The Defense Minister’s stern warning comes amid rising tensions along the Afghan-Pakistani border, where several recent attacks have targeted Pakistani security forces in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The Islamabad government holds the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) responsible for these assaults, asserting that the group operates from within Afghan territory — a claim Afghan officials have repeatedly denied.

In response, the Taliban administration has previously urged Pakistan to avoid public accusations and instead use bilateral security channels for cooperation, while warning against any cross-border military actions.

This latest statement by Pakistan’s defense minister signals a dramatic escalation in rhetoric, highlighting the deepening mistrust between Kabul and Islamabad, and raising fears of a potential military confrontation between the two neighbors.

MORE: