Afghanistan’s defence minister, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has warned that any attack on Kabul would be met with a response in Islamabad, according to remarks aired by Afghan broadcaster Tolo News.
“If Kabul lacks peace, there will be no peace in Islamabad. If Kabul is attacked, Islamabad will be attacked,” Yaqoob said in the interview.
He stressed that Afghanistan does not seek war but would continue fighting if the conflict persists.
“If they extend the war for ten years, we are ready to fight for ten years as well. We have no fear,” he said, adding that Afghan forces were mentally and militarily prepared for a long-term confrontation if necessary.
He also rejected labeling Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist group, saying such claims are “imaginary and unrealistic,” and describing it as a baseless demand Pakistan is making from Afghanistan.
The minister also addressed the long-standing dispute over the Durand Line, the border drawn during British colonial rule that separates Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mujahid said Pakistan is pushing for the line to be formally recognised as an international border, but described it as a historic issue that remains unresolved.
His remarks come about two weeks after Pakistan reportedly violated Afghanistan’s airspace and targeted civilian areas.
Afghan defence forces subsequently launched retaliatory operations, which are still ongoing and have reportedly expanded with the capture of several Pakistani military posts.