Khawaja Asif Criticises Imran Khan Over Taliban, Afghan Refugee Policy

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again criticised Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for his alleged soft stance toward the Taliban and the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Asif accused the former prime minister of allowing thousands of Taliban fighters to settle in Pakistan during his government. He claimed this decision has worsened the country’s security situation.

Asif Condemns Ongoing Violence

Asif said terrorism and violence continue despite years of talks and multiple official visits between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He noted that both soldiers and civilians have suffered greatly because of these ongoing attacks. “Our army and citizens have paid for peace with their blood,” he stated.
The minister stressed that Pakistan has hosted over six million Afghan refugees for nearly six decades. However, he said Pakistan’s hospitality has often been met with violence. Asif expressed
disappointment, saying that the goodwill extended to Afghan nationals has not been reciprocated with peace or gratitude.

Call for Responsible Action

Asif also criticised the PTI for continuing to promote dialogue with militants despite ongoing violence. He urged Afghan refugees living in Pakistan to return home and rebuild their country. “We are extending hospitality, but these guests are shedding our blood and sheltering killers,” he said.
His comments come as Pakistan faces rising tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and intensifies its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals living without legal status