Islamabad: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that his country does not desire an armed conflict with Afghanistan, following Islamabad’s airstrikes on alleged terrorist hideouts across border.

In an interview with Voice of America, Asif emphasised, “Force is last resort. We do not want to have an armed conflict with Afghanistan.”

He cautioned that Pakistan could block corridor it provides to landlocked Afghanistan for trade with India if Kabul fails to curb anti-Pakistan terrorists operating on Afghan soil, questioning rationale behind providing this corridor if Afghanistan treats Pakistan as an enemy.

Asif highlighted surge in terror attacks in Pakistan since Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. He noted that message needed to be sent that cross-border terrorism has become intolerable.

Regarding Pakistan’s interactions with Taliban, he stated that during visit to Kabul in February 2023, he advised Taliban ministers to not let past “Favours” from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan tie Kabul’s hands.

Asif alleged that Kabul was allowing TTP to operate against Pakistan to prevent its members from joining Islamic State terrorist outfit’s local chapter, known as IS-Khorasan Province.

Despite China’s silence on cross-border fighting, Asif dismissed lack of public support from Beijing, stating, “It’s not necessary that world must applaud us. What is in our interest is enough for us.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 22 2024

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