Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that Pakistan may take action against terrorist elements operating from Afghanistan before Ramadan, warning that militant activities originating from across the border have not stopped.

In an interview, Asif said that if Afghan authorities remained mere spectators, they would be considered accomplices. “I cannot give a final timeline, but we will have to respond as soon as possible,” he said.

He said third-party countries were engaged in negotiations and should realise that delays were causing serious losses to Pakistan. He added that while Pakistan was open to dialogue, it was unacceptable for attacks to be carried out inside the country soon after talks.

Referring to relations with the Afghan interim government, Asif said Pakistan maintained contact through various channels.

He said solutions could be found if militants were willing to return or be resettled elsewhere.

He added that Afghan authorities had admitted they could not provide written guarantees, only verbal assurances.

Separately, speaking in the National Assembly, the defence minister termed Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s remarks about the armed forces as irresponsible. He said the claim that the military belonged to “four districts” was unacceptable.

“The armed forces do not belong to any district or province. They belong to the entire nation and are sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism. Our martyrs are our red line,” he said.

He added that everyone had the right to hold political views, but attacking national institutions was inappropriate and harmed national unity.

Asif presented details of martyrs from the past five years, saying that between 2021 and February 10, 2026, a total of 3,141 personnel had laid down their lives in the war against terrorism.

According to the defence minister, the martyrs included 170 officers, 212 junior commissioned officers, and 2,759 soldiers.

Punjab recorded the highest number with 1,657 martyrs, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 534, Sindh with 452, Azad Kashmir with 234, Gilgit-Baltistan with 161, and Balochistan with 103.

He said the figures reflected the scale of sacrifices being made for national security. He added that more than 200 terrorists had been killed in security operations in Balochistan.

Asif said such operations were necessary to maintain law and order and that the state would continue efforts to enforce its authority.

Commenting on politics, he said some politicians operated in a “grey area” and pursued personal interests. He said politicians often changed parties, but soldiers who embraced martyrdom never changed their loyalty.

He stressed that national interest must always take precedence over personal and political gains.

Referring to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Asif said his political journey reflected long-standing public trust. He said Nawaz Sharif’s leadership in 1993 and 1999 demonstrated his commitment to democratic politics, adding that his party would not compromise on its principles.