ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: In response to the increasing number of terrorist incidents attributed to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership hiding in Afghanistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at possible cross-border strikes to eliminate militant hideouts. Asif stated that Pakistan’s potential actions would be justified under international law, given Kabul’s alleged role in “exporting” terrorism.
In an interview with Voice of America, Asif emphasized that while the TTP operates from Afghanistan, many of its militants are also within Pakistan. He criticized the previous PTI government for allowing these militants to return. The Defence Minister ruled out any dialogue with the banned outfit, asserting that there was no common ground for negotiations.
Asif mentioned that the government would seek parliamentary approval for fresh actions under the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ initiative and address concerns of political parties. He also pointed out that civilians had failed to build on the successes of past military operations.
In separate comments to Geo News, Asif declared that Pakistan would enforce international laws strictly at its borders with Afghanistan to prevent the smuggling of goods and the infiltration of terrorists. He announced that all traffic from Afghanistan would require valid passports and visas for entry into Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed concern over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The JUI-F chief highlighted that the presence of armed men had made it unsafe for police to operate at night. He advocated for talks with Kabul instead of threats, arguing that issues between states should be resolved diplomatically rather than hastily.
Rehman drew a parallel with how issues between Iran and Pakistan were resolved through mutual air strikes, questioning why a similar approach was not taken with Afghanistan. He criticized Islamabad for making decisions based on anger and emotions, warning that such actions could further strain bilateral relations.
During a press conference at his party’s provincial headquarters, Rehman shared that a grand tribal jirga had expressed distrust in the current operation, labeling it as destabilizing rather than stabilizing. He noted that militants controlled traffic, set up roadblocks, and collected tolls from motorists in certain regions. Additionally, police in southern districts of KP were besieged in their stations after dusk, unable to perform their duties.
Rehman emphasized that the people of KP, from Waziristan to Swat, had made immense sacrifices and faced displacement due to military operations. He highlighted that many returning home found their properties destroyed and had yet to receive promised compensation for their losses.
