Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said militants are operating from Afghan soil, yet some here hesitate to condemn those attacks. Speaking publicly, he urged national unity and called on political rivals to set aside differences and stand with the armed forces. He said discussions about politics can wait until tomorrow or another day, but the killings happening now must be addressed together.
The minister recounted his visit to Afghanistan, where Pakistani officials asked Kabul to shut down militant sanctuaries. He said Afghan interlocutors offered money instead, proposing that Pakistan accept ten billion and resettle those militants in Pakistan’s western provinces. Khawaja Asif added that despite repeated talks, no meaningful progress was achieved.
“The situation has reached the point where our children are being martyred today and yesterday,” he said, stressing that the nation must speak with one voice and support its security forces. He noted Pakistan’s past successes against India and said the country must now unite behind its martyrs and veterans on this issue.
Khawaja Asif proposed sending a delegation to Kabul to press Afghan authorities, saying the problem has become intolerable. He warned that millions are sheltering on Pakistani soil and that some benefit economically from that presence while undermining the country that hosts them.
He said Pakistan’s patience has run out and criticised those who hesitate to condemn the perpetrators. “We cannot afford to politicise this issue,” he said, adding that the world recognises the strength of Pakistan’s armed forces and that those in power must openly stand with the military and the citizens.
