Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to carry out further air strikes in Afghanistan if Kabul fails to act against militants using its soil. Speaking to FRANCE 24, Asif said the Afghan government bears responsibility for terrorist groups operating from its territory, including TTP, ETIM, Islamic State, and Daesh, which he accused of enjoying safe havens due to Kabul’s inaction.
The remarks follow the deadly suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad, which killed 36 and injured 169, marking the city’s deadliest attack in over a decade. Pakistani authorities subsequently arrested several facilitators and captured the Afghan national mastermind, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirming the network’s Afghanistan-based training.
Asif also alleged India’s involvement, claiming a proxy war is underway against Pakistan, coordinated with Afghan militants. He stressed that Islamabad has no direct contact with India and warned that war remains a possibility under current conditions.
Despite the tension, Asif affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace efforts, including potential participation in the Gaza Peace Board, citing decades of UN peacekeeping experience and support for Palestinian self-determination.
He emphasized Pakistan’s hybrid political system, asserting that while the military supports national institutions, there is no military rule, and the elected government remains in charge.
This statement underscores Islamabad’s firm stance on counterterrorism and its readiness to act if Afghanistan does not control militancy emanating from its territory.
