'Most welcome': Pakistan's Khawaja Asif backs Trump’s mediation in Taliban conflict

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India, October 16, 2025 (Thursday)

'Most welcome': Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif backs Trump’s mediation in Taliban conflict; drags India into row – The Times of IndiaEditionININUSEnglishEnglishहिन्दीमराठीಕನ್ನಡதமிழ்বাংলাമലയാളംతెలుగుગુજરાતીWeatherSign InTOIworldPakistanTimes EvokeUSSouth AsiaUKEuropeChinaMiddle EastRest of WorldMad, Mad WorldPhotosVideosWeb StoriesToday's ePaperNewsWorld NewsPakistan News'Most welcome': Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif

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Ashley TellisDonald Trump’Most welcome’: Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif backs Trump’s mediation in Taliban conflict; drags India into rowTOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Oct 16, 2025, 10:23 ISTShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLargePakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif has urged former US President

Donald Trump to mediate in easing tensions with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Asif praised Trump’s past peace efforts, calling him a leader who stopped wars and welcomed his potential involvement in current negotiations. The minister also bizarrely accused India of sponsoring the

Taliban and waging a proxy war against Pakistan. Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif (File photo) Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday called on US President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with its Taliban-controlled northern neighbor, lauding his past

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peace efforts and openly welcoming his mediation in the current negotiations.When asked about Trump’s possible role in peace negotiations between Pakistan and the Taliban, defence minister Khawaja Asif praised the US leader, saying Trump had made efforts to bring peace

between countries and had negotiated peace in “seven wars.” Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes: Heavy Fighting Along Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Border, Taliban Posts Damaged“I think presidents in America have been responsible for wars. This is the first president (Trump) who has stopped wars. In

the last 15–20 years, the US has sponsored wars, and he (Trump) is the first president to negotiate peace. Therefore, If he wants to look into the Pakistan-Afghanistan war, he is most welcome,” Asif reported on GeoTV.During the interview on

GeoTV, Asif also made a bizarre claim against India, accusing New Delhi of sponsoring the Taliban and waging a proxy war against Pakistan.Islamabad’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir, has repeatedly nominated Trump for the

Nobel Peace Prize, calling him a leader who ended wars.Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif had openly welcomed Trump’s mediation during India’s counterterror action under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. However, India has maintained a firm

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stance that no foreign mediation influenced its military decisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Parliament that no foreign leader was involved in India’s decision to pause Operation Sindoor.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned

journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed

about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Stop CIA Coups,

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