Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Afghanistan’s Minister of National Defense, said in an exclusive interview with TOLOnews that Afghan forces are fully prepared to defend the country and can sustain a long-term conflict if necessary.
He warned that if Kabul becomes insecure, Islamabad will also face consequences. Mr. Mujahid said Afghanistan has repeatedly held talks with Pakistan in various countries, but the negotiations failed, with Islamabad appearing intent on escalating the conflict.
Mr. Mujahid said Afghanistan proposed written guarantees for mutual respect of territory, but Pakistan focused on political issues, including the So-Called Durand Line. He accused Pakistan of supporting opponents of the current Afghan government and trying to keep Afghanistan dependent, warning that these efforts are “fantasy and madness.”
He emphasized that Afghan forces remain on the defensive but will respond strongly to any attacks, and that the Afghan people stand united behind the Islamic Emirate. Mr. Mujahid clarified that Afghanistan has no issue with the Pakistani people and hopes they can convince their military leadership to end the conflict.
The minister added that Afghan forces have extensive war experience and are prepared for a long fight if needed. He urged Afghans to remain united, warning enemies will find no place among them, and noted that Pakistan’s aggression has helped unite all Afghans.
Finally, Mr. Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan’s war is not against the Pakistani people, but against the military actions targeting Afghan sovereignty, and that Afghanistan’s resolve and experience will be proven if the conflict continues.