Pakistan reserves the right to strike inside Afghanistan: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday issued a stern warning to Kabul, declaring that Pakistan reserves the right to carry out retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan if terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil continue to target Pakistani forces and civilians.

He said that Kabul has so far failed to ensure that its territory will not be used by Indian-backed militants, known as Khawarij, to target Pakistan. He stated that if these elements cross the border and harm Pakistani citizens, Pakistan will respond by entering Afghan territory to hold the attackers accountable.

The minister urged the Afghan government to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and avoid any actions that could harm bilateral relations. He emphasized that Pakistan will also ensure the protection of Afghan soil from any aggression on its side. He concluded his message with the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” underscoring Pakistan’s resolve against cross-border terrorism.

Earlier, Khawaja Asif also accused the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of bringing thousands of Taliban fighters into the country and providing them shelter. He alleged that PTI continues to favor dialogue with terrorist groups despite years of bloodshed caused by their attacks on Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians. He added that Pakistan has held several rounds of discussions with the Afghan government in recent years to stop violence.

However, despite repeated diplomatic efforts and multiple visits by delegations, terrorist activities have not come to an end. Khawaja Asif reaffirmed that Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism and will act firmly to defend its people and sovereignty.