‘We cannot continue like this:’ Asif on increasing cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that relations between Kabul and Islamabad “cannot continue” in the prevailing circumstances with increasing cross-border attacks from militant groups residing inside Afghanistan.
Speaking to Voice of America, the defence minister said: “Force is the last resort. We do not want to have an armed conflict with Afghanistan.”
His remarks come as the neighbouring countries have experienced a spike in their already tense bilateral relations over increasing terrorist attacks by the TTP and other banned outfits, which are based in Afghanistan, inside Pakistani territory.
On Monday, Pakistan carried out intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group which is responsible for the March 16 attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan and multiple other terrorist attacks in the country.
Islamabad’s action came following a deadly attack on Pakistani forces which resulted in the martyrdom of seven soldiers including a lieutenant colonel and captain.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Afghan interim government to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan by TTP and other militant organisations — a claim vehemently denied by Kabul.