Islamabad, February 27: In an unusual turn of events, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has made headlines with his bold statements amidst ongoing military tensions at the border. He has publicly declared an open war against Afghanistan, making a series of bizarre comments that have drawn significant attention.
Asif took to his X account to issue a statement that resembled a script from a poorly written film rather than a serious political discourse. He referred to Afghanistan as both an enemy and a neighbor, while also threatening repercussions in the name of Allah. Shortly after the announcement of “Ghazab-e-Lil-Haq” (Anger for Truth or Wrath for Justice), he released an extensive statement.
In his declaration of open war, Asif stated, “The dam of Islamabad’s patience has burst,” accusing the Taliban government of harboring terrorists. He further proclaimed the peculiar phrase “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” asserting, “Our patience has run out. This is an open war between us and you. Now, it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar.’ The Pakistani army did not come from across the sea. We are your neighbors; we know what happens inside and outside your borders. Allahu Akbar.”
The literal translation of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” means “the one who remains intoxicated with every breath,” referring to a Sufi saint or wanderer. Asif’s intentions and the direction he aims to take with such rhetoric seem unclear and reflect a sense of confusion and frustration.
Khawaja Asif is known for making outlandish statements. Recently, he lamented in Parliament about Pakistan’s dire situation, claiming that the United States had treated Pakistan “worse than toilet paper.” He stated that Pakistan fought a “Made in America jihad” in Afghanistan and had become a “rented” country for the U.S. after 9/11.
He has also expressed frustration regarding the 12-day conflict with India in May 2025, often intertwining religious sentiments in his remarks. He has mentioned the disadvantages of being surrounded by India and Afghanistan. In November 2025, he claimed in a conversation with local media that Allah had aided Pakistan in the first round of conflict, implying that divine support would continue in the second round against the Taliban.
Another of his statements became a subject of ridicule when, in January of this year, he boasted that Pakistan would no longer beg the IMF for aid, citing an increase in demand for its weapons following the May conflict.
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