ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif emphasized the imperative implementation of international laws along the borders to prevent the infiltration of terrorist elements into Pakistan, particularly from Afghanistan, amidst a recent surge in terrorism within the country.
Asif, in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), underscored the need for fundamental alterations to the border dynamics in response to the escalating terrorist incidents.
He described the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as unique, labeling the neighboring country as a "source of terrorism" for Pakistan. Asif lamented the lack of progress by the Afghan government in eradicating terrorist elements exploiting Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan, despite Islamabad's extensive efforts. He pointed out that Afghan authorities are aware of all terrorist hideouts within their borders but highlighted a lack of cooperation from Kabul.
Asif insisted on the strict implementation of all international laws along the border to halt the flow of terrorist activities. His remarks followed a horrific suicide bombing on Tuesday that claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani citizen in Shangla's Besham city, eliciting widespread shock across the country amidst a surge in terrorist attacks.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan authorities of turning a blind eye to terrorist outfits, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating on Afghan soil and launching cross-border attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Earlier this month, seven Pakistan Army personnel, including two officers, were martyred in a terrorist attack in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District. Subsequently, Pakistani forces conducted intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in border regions inside Afghanistan against terrorists orchestrating attacks in Pakistan from Afghan territory.
The military has attributed the escalating terrorism in Pakistan to the continued use of Afghan soil, emphasizing that the recent surge in terrorism has clear support and assistance from Afghanistan. Asif reiterated the assertion that militants are using Afghan soil as a launchpad for terrorist activities inside Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for concerted action to address this threat.
