Khawaja Asif signals possible military action in Afghanistan over terror threats

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that after a surge in terrorism incidents, Pakistan can carry out operations on the Afghan soil to target militants apparently using Afghanistan as a safe place to carry out these attacks in Pakistan. 

Asif, while speaking at a news channel, indicated that Islamabad has gathered evidence of Afghan involvement in cross-border attacks. He said Pakistan will not endure aggression and will respond conclusively if necessary. 

The minister accused Afghan authorities of sheltering members of the TTP and said that many recent terrorist incidents inside Pakistan originate from across the border. 

Khawaja Asif added that Pakistan’s tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness. He said that simply issuing condemnations for the attack, as sometimes done by Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, does not ensure trustworthy action.

Pakistan is facing war-like situation: Khawaja Asif after Islamabad attack

He emphasised that if enemy forces continue to launch attacks from Afghan territory, Pakistan holds the right to respond. This reflected that the ceasefire agreement made with Kabul is dependent on the Afghan government ensuring that militants are barred from using its land for attacks. 

On the broader regional context, Asif linked India’s role to these tensions, alleging that Afghan soil was being used in a larger hostile strategy involving their neighbour. 

Though Pakistan has stressed it does not desire further escalation, its military and diplomatic stance reflects a readiness for heavier action if Kabul fails to carry out a decisive action against terrorists.