ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday said that Afghan Taliban's acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani may settle Pakistan’s enemies in his home if he wishes, but he should not join them in playing the role of an enemy, nor allow Afghan territory to be used against Pakistan.
Addressing the Afghan Taliban regime, the defense minister said that Pakistan stood by them during the war against the Soviet Union. He said that they were guests in Pakistan, adding that their families were hosted for decades. He said that millions of Afghan citizens are still refugees on Pakistani soil.
Khawaja Asif further said that Haqqani and his family were also guests of Pakistan, but in return they provided shelter to Pakistan’s enemies and killers and became allies of those who stained its streets with blood. He stated that he met him [Sirajuddin Haqqani] in Kabul and urged him not to side with Pakistan’s enemies or assist them.
The defense minister added that they [Taliban] had asked for money and Pakistan was even ready to provide it, but there was no guarantee in return. He said that the elder after whom the name “Haqqani” is associated was a very great and revered figure, saying that the sanctity of that name should be upheld.