Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has reaffirmed that the country will eliminate terrorism from its territories, whether in Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that any attacks originating from Afghanistan will be met with a decisive response.
Khawaja Asif said that negotiations with the Afghan authorities had failed.“Our single demand was that no terrorist activity should be conducted from Afghan soil. Unfortunately,
they were unwilling to provide any guarantees,” he stated.
He warned that terrorist organizations are widespread across Afghanistan, with the Taliban government lacking control over the entire country.
“There is no trust-based relationship with the Taliban regime. If any terrorism originates from Afghanistan, we will respond. If terrorist activities continue from Afghan territory, we will not only retaliate but also take measures to prevent it,” he said.
On regional tensions, the Defense Minister noted that relations with India remain strained, comparable to wartime levels. He added that tensions with Afghanistan could escalate further.
Addressing domestic political issues, Khawaja Asif criticized policies of Suhail Afridi, stating they do not align with Pakistan’s national interests. He emphasized that the government’s position under the 27th Amendment is clear, though not all proposed amendments were agreed upon. Dialogue with the Pakistan Peoples Party and Maulana Fazlur Rehman has already taken place, he added.
