Pakistan may hit targets inside Afghanistan: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted that Pakistan might carry out operations inside Afghanistan following the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Wana.

Speaking to a private news channel, the minister said that Islamabad will not ignore any act of aggression against the country. “We will not leave acts of aggression unanswered; we will give a strong response,” he warned.

Khawaja Asif revealed that the government has gathered evidence of Afghan involvement in the latest terror incidents. He said the evidence will soon be shared with international mediators.

He added that expressions of regret from the Afghan Taliban were not enough to deny their connection to these attacks. “Militants hiding in Taliban-controlled areas have repeatedly targeted Pakistan,” the minister said.

Asif also mentioned that the Pakistan Army successfully prevented a tragedy at Wana Cadet College, saying, “By Allah’s grace, our forces saved the cadets.”

The defence minister accused India of using Afghanistan as a platform to carry out hostile activities against Pakistan. “No one should be under any misapprehension — the hostile stance of our neighbour has become evident,” he stated.

He claimed that militants receive financial support from an Indian consulate operating inside Afghanistan. According to him, Pakistan has been on high alert since the recent rise in cross-border aggression.

No Terrorist Safe Havens Inside Pakistan

Khawaja Asif rejected claims that militants have sanctuaries in Pakistan. He said most recent terror attacks were carried out by Afghan militants entering from across the border.

He added that if friendly countries want to help, they should assist through action, not words. “We cannot rely on verbal assurances from the Afghan Taliban,” Asif stressed.

The statement from the defence minister came after a suicide bombing at Islamabad District Courts, which killed at least 12 people and injured several others.

Another terror attempt in Wana was foiled by security forces when militants tried to attack Wana Cadet College. The swift response of Pakistan’s armed forces saved the lives of all students and teachers.