Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan may take action inside Afghanistan in view of the recent surge in terrorist incidents originating from across the border. In an interview with a private news channel, the minister voiced serious concerns over Afghanistan’s interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, stressing that Islamabad would not ignore the growing wave of terrorism.
Khawaja Asif made it clear that Pakistan would respond decisively if the situation worsened, stating that the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security. Commenting on the Afghan Taliban’s alleged silence over the presence of terrorist hideouts, the minister said their statements of condemnation and regret were limited to words and did not reflect any tangible action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
He maintained that terrorists were continuously launching attacks on Pakistan from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, adding that the majority of militants involved in recent terrorist incidents were Afghan nationals. He categorically stated that there were no terrorist safe havens in Pakistan.
The minister also mentioned that during a recent operation conducted by the Pakistan Army at Wana Cadet College, the lives of the cadets were saved by the grace of Allah. Speaking about India, Khawaja Asif said that New Delhi was using Afghan territory to carry out aggression against Pakistan, warning that any misperception about India’s hostile designs should be dispelled as its enmity had now become evident.
He added that Pakistan remained on high alert regarding India’s activities and was fully prepared to respond to any hostile moves, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
