Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said Pakistan has made separate contingency arrangements for threats from both India and the Afghan Taliban, and cautioned that an Indian attack “cannot be ruled out” amid the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters, Khawaja Asif said Islamabad remained in contact with Saudi Arabia and Qatar over developments in Afghanistan.

He stressed that Pakistan has planned distinct responses for any aggression originating from Afghanistan and India.

The minister expressed concern about the large Afghan population in Pakistan, saying some 4 million Afghans are currently on Pakistani soil, many of them residing illegally.

“A significant number have reached high positions,” he said, questioning their loyalty and warning that hosting them could create an internal security front.

Khawaja Asif warned that if those Afghans are retained in Pakistan without proper vetting or guarantees, they could pose domestic security risks.

He urged careful handling of the refugee presence to prevent internal destabilisation.

On Gaza, the defence minister said Pakistan’s military should have a presence there, reiterating Islamabad’s interest in the situation in the Palestinian territory.