'Could play dirty': Pak minister blames India for Afghan clashes, says 'ready for two-front war'

New Delhi: Sparking a controversy, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif linked India with Islamabad's ongoing border tensions with Kabul and expressed caution that New Delhi "could play dirty at the border". He further said that Pakistan was ready for a "two-front war".

Speaking to a Pakistan's news channel, a video of which is doing the rounds on social media, Asif sought to claim that India might engage in “dirty games" during heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Responding to a question about the possibility of Indian provocations along the border, he said, "Absolutely, you cannot rule that out. There are strong possibilities." On being asked what would be Pakistan's response if a two-front war breaks out, he said, "Yes, strategies are in place. I can't discuss them publicly, but we are prepared for any eventuality."

Earlier, Asif had accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of "fighting a proxy war" on behalf of India.

What triggered Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

The recent clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan - the deadliest confrontation since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021 -- has claimed dozens of lives (including troops and civilians) and left hundreds wounded.

Border clashes broke out between the South Asian neighbours over the weekend, prompting the closure of borders, halting trade and stranding families.

The recent cross-border skirmishes between the former allies triggered after Islamabad demanded that the Afghan Taliban act to control militants who it says are behind increased attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of providing safe havens to terrorist groups led by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

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Kabul denied this charge, and accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation, provoking border tensions, and sheltering militants.

Islamabad and Kabul agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire late on Wednesday.