Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has described recent remarks by the Taliban’s spokesperson as “malicious and misleading,” saying the Taliban regime is responsible for the continued oppression of ethnic groups, women, and minorities in Afghanistan.

Asif said the Taliban does not represent Afghanistan and is plagued by internal divisions and factionalism.

His comments came after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership follow different agendas, alleging that while the civilian government seeks improved ties with Kabul, the military works to undermine them.

In a post on X, Asif wrote that on the malicious and misleading comments made by the Afghan spokesperson, let it be categorically stated that there exists complete unanimity of views among all Pakistanis, including the country’s political and military leadership, regarding Pakistan’s security policies and its comprehensive approach toward Afghanistan.

He said the people of Pakistan, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are well aware of the Taliban regime’s “treacherous support for terrorism” allegedly backed by India.

Asif added that, four years after taking power, the Taliban regime has yet to honour the commitments it made to the international community. He added that the regime now attempts to mask its lack of cohesion, stability, and governance capacity through rhetoric and by serving as a proxy for external elements.

The defence minister also accused the Taliban of suppressing fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, education, and political representation.

Asif reaffirmed that Pakistan’s policy on protecting its citizens from cross-border terrorism and the ideology of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains unified and consistent.