'Attack On Kabul Will Be Met In Islamabad': Afghanistan Minister Says 'Ready To Fight For 10 Years'

Last Updated:March 07, 2026, 11:07 IST

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid also said Pakistan’s claims that the TTP is a terrorist organisation are ‘imaginary and unrealistic

In a stark escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has issued a dramatic warning to Islamabad, stating that any attack on Kabul would be met with retaliation inside Pakistan’s own capital.

In an interview with Tolo News, Mujahid delivered a hard‑hitting message to Pakistan’s leadership, dismissing Islamabad’s demands and asserting Afghanistan’s readiness for a sustained conflict if pressured. “If Kabul is attacked, the response will be in Islamabad," he said, in a comment that underscores rising hostility along the two countries’ shared border.

“We Are Ready to Fight for Ten Years"

Mullah Yaqoob was clear in his resolve: “If they extend this war for ten years, we are ready to fight for ten years as well. We have no fear." He characterised Afghanistan’s military stance as strong and unwavering, asserting that Afghan forces have inflicted heavy losses on Pakistani forces in retaliation for the death of a single Afghan civilian.

At the same time, the Afghan defence minister insisted that Kabul does not seek war. “We do not want war," he said, framing the dispute as a consequence of long‑standing political and territorial disagreements, particularly regarding the Durand Line—the contested boundary separating Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Demands Called “Imaginary"

A central point of contention highlighted by Mujahid was Islamabad’s insistence that the Afghan government designate Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist organisation.

“Pakistan’s claims that the TTP is a terrorist organisation are ‘imaginary and unrealistic’," Mujahid said, rejecting the demand as baseless. The defence minister’s remarks reflect a broader refusal by the Afghan Taliban leadership to accede to Pakistan’s key security request, deepening the diplomatic rift between the two neighbouring states.

“Pakistan Is Losing This War"

Mujahid’s remarks also included a direct challenge to Islamabad’s handling of cross‑border tensions. “Pakistan is losing this war," he claimed, underscoring his belief that Afghan forces have been successful against Pakistani military actions in recent exchanges.

A New Flashpoint in Afghanistan‑Pakistan Relations

The fiery statements come amid rising border incidents between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including cross‑border shelling, accusations of militant sanctuary, and long‑standing disputes over the Durand Line. While historically complex, the latest diplomatic breakdown marks one of the most confrontational moments between the Taliban government in Kabul and the civilian and security leadership in Islamabad.

Analysts say Mullah Yaqoob’s bold declarations may reflect both internal political posturing and a strategic message to Pakistan that any military escalation will carry severe consequences.

For now, both sides appear entrenched in their respective positions: Afghanistan resolute in protecting its capital and rejecting external demands, and Pakistan insisting on security assurances against militants operating near or across the border.

News world 'Attack On Kabul Will Be Met In Islamabad': Afghanistan Minister Says 'Ready To Fight For 10 Years'

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