Pakistan Does Not Rule Out Strikes on Militant Sanctuaries in Afghanistan
Following a series of deadly attacks in Islamabad and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country may resort to military action that could include targeting militant sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
According to Dawn newspaper, published in Islamabad, Asif said on Tuesday, November 10, that Pakistan has been compelled to act against those responsible for the recent violent incidents. Citing growing militant activity in border areas, he stated, “There is no room left for illusions about the Taliban—that they are aligned with us or seek peace. We must stop deceiving ourselves; we negotiated three times.”
He further noted that the Taliban administration comprises multiple factions and groups, with some reportedly maintaining contact with regional rivals such as India and others allegedly being guided from abroad. Asif expressed concern over this situation, calling it a serious threat to counterterrorism efforts.
The defense minister stressed that Islamabad had only one clear demand from the Taliban administration: to prevent terrorist operations conducted by groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan. However, he said this demand has not been met, and the gap in bilateral relations has continued to widen.
Although Pakistani officials have frequently voiced alarm over the presence of armed networks inside Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has yet to take concrete action to reassure its neighbors regarding cross-border threats.
