Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, issued a strong warning to the Afghan Taliban, stating that Pakistan’s tolerance for militants using Afghan territory to target Pakistan has reached its limit. In his address to the National Assembly, Asif emphasized that Pakistan would no longer accept terrorism originating from Afghan soil.
The warning follows heightened tensions following the death of 11 Pakistani security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, in a clash with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Orakzai district.
Asif conveyed to lawmakers that Pakistan would pursue those who support terrorists, regardless of their location, hinting at potential tougher actions if Kabul does not take action against militants along the shared border. He emphasized that individuals aiding or sheltering terrorists, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan, would face consequences.
Khawaja Asif disclosed that Pakistani officials had previously raised concerns about cross-border militancy directly with the Afghan Taliban during a visit to Kabul three years ago. However, their apprehensions were met with vague assurances. Asif highlighted that Afghan officials were informed about the presence of 6,000–7,000 individuals posing a threat to Pakistan on Afghan soil, with Kabul even proposing a financial arrangement to relocate these groups to western Afghanistan.
The government now plans to take immediate diplomatic measures to address the situation, including sending a high-level delegation to Kabul to deliver a firm message to Afghan authorities demanding swift action against terror networks operating from Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan.
Following Khawaja Asif’s warning, two explosions were reported in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, on Thursday night. While some sources suggested that Pakistan may have initiated an attack on the Afghan capital, no official confirmation has been provided by either nation. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed hearing an explosion in Kabul, stating that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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