‘We Hosted You for Decades, Don’t Side with Our Enemies,’ Khawaja Asif

Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Web Desk

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has delivered a powerful and emotional message directly to Afghan Taliban regime’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, reminding him of Pakistan’s decades of hospitality and urging him not to play the role of an enemy alongside Pakistan’s adversaries.

In a statement that struck at the heart of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Asif addressed Haqqani personally, holding up a mirror to the complex history between the two nations and the Haqqani network.

‘You Were Our Guest for Decades’

“You were our guest for decades. We fought together against the Soviet Union. Your target and our target was the same, and American gave this target to us,” Asif reminded Haqqani, tracing the shared history of the Afghan jihad.

The Defence Minister recalled that after 9/11, America accused Pakistan of being a facilitator for the Haqqani Network. “Whether the allegation of facilitating you was true or false, you should tell the world yourself,” he challenged.

‘Was this the Reward for What We did?’

Khawaja Asif stirred Haqqani’s conscience, asking what reward Pakistan received for its decades of support. “We kept resolving your internal disputes. We arranged peace in Mecca. But what was the reward? You gave sanctuary to our killers. You became facilitators of those who stained our streets and neighborhoods with blood.”

He revealed that meetings were held with Haqqani in Kabul, where Pakistan requested him not to become an ally of enemies and not to assist them. “You demanded money. We were ready to give that too. But you were not ready to give any guarantee,” Asif disclosed.

‘Uphold the Honor of Being Haqqani’

In an emotionally charged appeal, the Defence Minister invoked the legacy of Haqqani’s namesake. “The great elder after whom you are called Haqqani was a very noble person. Uphold the honor of that name. Do not allow your land to be used against us.”

“Tradition, culture, and religion teach us to wish well for the house in which you have taken shelter,” Asif added, reminding Haqqani of the obligations that come with having been hosted for decades.

‘Don’t Play the Enemy’s Role Alongside Our Enemies’

The Defence Minister’s core message was clear: “You may host our enemies in your home, but do not play the role of an enemy alongside them against us.”

Khawaja Asif’s direct address to Sirajuddin Haqqani comes amid heightened tensions following Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s decisive military response to unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime along the border. The operation resulted in significant losses for the Afghan regime, with Pakistani forces destroying over 74 enemy posts and capturing 18 check points.

The statement also follows revelations that terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including suicide bombings, were being planned and directed from Afghan soil by groups sheltering there, including elements linked to the Haqqani network.