Taliban Minister Haqqani Warns Pakistan: "Border Conflicts Will Cost You Dearly" Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Afghanistan's Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, has delivered a powerful condemnation of Pakistan amid escalating border tensions between the neighboring countries.

Following weeks of deadly border confrontations and unsuccessful peace talks, Haqqani used his platform at a Firefighting Directorate training seminar to issue stern warnings to Islamabad, accusing Pakistan of projecting its internal issues across the Durand Line.

"While Afghanistan may face internal challenges, our people stand united against external threats," Haqqani emphasized. He cautioned Pakistan that "bringing your problems into Afghanistan and creating disorder here will result in severe consequences for you."

The minister's comments come during a period of heightened hostility along the shared border, where recent violent exchanges between Taliban forces and Pakistani military have resulted in multiple fatalities. Each country has blamed the other for initiating the violence, and recent peace negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Turkish officials, reportedly failed due to disagreements over cross-border terrorism concerns and American drone operations.

Haqqani, who heads the influential Haqqani Network within the Taliban structure, portrayed Afghanistan as resolute despite military limitations. "We may lack sophisticated missiles or advanced weaponry, but our determination remains unshaken," he declared. "Should our patience be tested further, our response will be decisive."

His address included implicit references to Pakistan's domestic instability. "We have consistently advised Pakistan to address their internal issues domestically," Haqqani noted. "Citizens should prioritize their own nation's interests rather than expecting another country to shoulder that responsibility."

These statements represent a hardening position from Kabul after weeks of mutual accusations. Pakistani authorities have alleged that the Taliban government harbors TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) militants who launch attacks from Afghan territory. Kabul has firmly denied these claims, suggesting that Pakistan is using these border disputes to deflect from its own security failures.

While expressing Afghanistan's commitment to peace, Haqqani warned that continued provocations could alter regional dynamics. "If we approach these matters from a legal perspective," he cautioned, "neither will Pakistan remain unchanged, nor will Greater Afghanistan maintain its commitments."

It's significant that prior to 2021, Pakistan's security establishment had provided sanctuary to the Haqqani Network leadership. Pakistani authorities had expected the Afghan Taliban to function as their proxy in Afghanistan—an expectation reportedly rejected and mocked by Taliban leadership.

This speech represents one of the most direct public criticisms of Pakistan by a high-ranking Taliban official since the group reclaimed power in 2021. Regional analysts view these remarks as evidence of deteriorating diplomatic relations between the nations, creating another potential flashpoint in an already unstable region.