Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, emphasized that Islamabad is not seeking an “armed conflict” with Afghanistan, following recent Pakistani air strikes against terrorists in border regions of Khost and Paktika.
In an interview with Voice of America, Asif stressed that force is the last resort, aiming to address cross-border terrorism concerns. He warned of potential consequences, including the blockade of trade corridors to Afghanistan, should the situation escalate.
The recent airstrikes targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for the Mir Ali attack in North Waziristan and other terrorist activities. These actions were prompted by a deadly attack on Pakistani forces, resulting in significant casualties.
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Asif underscored Pakistan’s right to halt trade facilitation with Afghanistan if anti-Pakistan terrorist activities persist unchecked. He called on the Afghan interim government to curb such activities, emphasizing the need for cooperation in combating terrorism.
Addressing past diplomatic efforts, Asif highlighted discussions with Taliban ministers, urging them to prevent banned militant groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan from inciting conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, stressing Pakistan’s commitment to peace with its neighbors. However, he emphasized that cross-border terrorism is intolerable and urged Afghanistan to address the issue.
Despite efforts to foster peace, terrorism incidents in Pakistan have surged since the Taliban’s takeover in Kabul in 2021. A recent security report highlighted a concerning rise in violence-related fatalities and terror attacks, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic resolutions.
