ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that Pakistan could take action against militant groups in Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Asif said third parties were engaged in negotiations and were aware of the consequences of prolonged inaction.
He, however, declined to provide a specific timeline, but stressed that Pakistan would have to respond sooner rather than later as delay in addressing security threats were costing the country heavily.
Militant activity originating from Afghanistan
Khawaja Asif expressed concern that militant activity originating from Afghanistan had not subsided adding if authorities across the border remained passive observers, they would effectively share responsibility.
The defence minister said that Pakistan remains open to dialogue, adding it cannot accept a situation in which talks are followed by attacks on its territory.
Khawaja Asif told the host that some level of communication continues with interim Taliban administration.
He suggested that the issue could be addressed if militants chose to return or relocate elsewhere, adding no formal proposal was currently under discussion.
Asif said Afghan counterparts have admitted they cannot provide written guarantees on security issues and can only offer verbal assurances.
He was of the view that regional stability could improve if neighbouring countries jointly guarantee peace in Afghanistan, potentially opening the door for financial assistance frameworks.
