Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized the government for creating hostility with neighboring Afghanistan. His remarks came after Defense Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at the possibility of cross-border operations against terrorists, emphasizing that Pakistan would act wherever necessary to safeguard national security.
“Afghanistan is not our enemy. Why are they trying to make it one? Why provoke a conflict with our Muslim brothers?” said Aleema Khan, quoting her brother while addressing the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Meanwhile, the defense minister stated that Pakistan had repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
However, internal divisions within the Afghan Taliban have hindered their ability to address the threat effectively. He also alleged that Afghan authorities were, in some cases, providing refuge to TTP elements.
An in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, comprising top civil and military leadership, resolved to confront terrorist groups with an “iron hand.” The committee underscored the need for a unified political and strategic commitment to counter terrorism with the full strength of the state.
This high-level meeting followed a recent attack by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The militants blew up train tracks and held over 440 passengers hostage during a day-long standoff with security forces in a remote mountain pass in Bolan district. Pakistani authorities claimed that the BLA operatives were in contact with handlers in Afghanistan and have reportedly sought clarification from the Afghan government regarding the matter.
