Pakistan's Defence Minister Threatens Cross-Border Action Against Afghanistan

India Today
Pakistan's Defence Minister Threatens Cross-Border Action Against Afghanistan - Article illustration from India Today

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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of potential military strikes inside Afghanistan in response to recent terrorist attacks attributed to militants sheltered by the Afghan Taliban. A suicide bombing in Islamabad killed 12 and injured many, prompting strong rhetoric from both Asif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who accused India of backing these militants. The situation highlights escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and raises concerns over security in urban areas.

In a recent declaration, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted the possibility of military operations inside Afghanistan following a string of terrorist attacks that shook Islamabad and South Waziristan. Asif accused the Afghan Taliban regime of sheltering militants involved in these violent incidents, leading to heightened tensions in the region. In an interview with the media, he emphasized that while Pakistan would not initiate military aggression, it remains prepared to respond decisively to any acts of hostility. This warning comes in the wake of two devastating attacks that left at least 12 people dead and many more injured, underscoring the volatile security scenario across the nation.

A notable event was a powerful suicide blast outside the Islamabad judicial complex, which occurred during peak hours, causing widespread panic and destruction. Emergency response teams quickly arrived on the scene, providing aid to the injured and investigating the incident that rattled the city.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of backing the militants responsible for these attacks, alleging that they were operating from Afghan territory. Sharif's allegations, made without concrete evidence, further strain Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as they mirror previous claims of external interference complicating the internal security landscape.

Defence Minister Asif discussed the broader implications of the recent attacks, stating, "We are in a state of war." He insisted that terrorism in Pakistan is a nationwide problem, not confined merely to border areas. His comments indicate a shift in focus towards perceived threats within urban centers, as he urged the public and military to remain vigilant.

The deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen its share of escalations, including recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on Afghan territory targeting suspected Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. These strikes have provoked outrage from the Afghan Taliban, who condemned the operations as violations of their sovereignty. The ongoing conflict and diplomatic fallout from these events have led to growing concerns of instability in the region.

The situation reflects a cycle of violence, retaliatory rhetoric, and rising military readiness, suggesting that both nations remain caught in a turbulent dynamic fraught with historical complexities and insurgent threats. As security concerns escalate, the prospect for diplomatic resolutions appears increasingly tenuous, warranting careful observation of ongoing developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

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