ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Tuesday warned that Pakistan could carry out strikes inside Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks in Islamabad and South Waziristan as he slammed the Afghan Taliban regime for harbouring militants behind the violence.
Over the past two days, Pakistan witnessed two major terrorism incidents — one targeting Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan and another suicide strike in Islamabad.
Cross-border action inside Afghanistan
Speaking to a private TV, Asif said cross-border action inside Afghanistan could not be “ruled out” following the attacks.
The Defence Minister also rejected the Afghan Taliban regime’s condemnation of the attacks, saying that such expressions of regret could not “be taken as proof of sincerity”.
“Those sheltered by the Afghan Taliban are repeatedly attacking us,” Khawaja Asif lamented.
He warned India and Afghanistan against any misadventure, saying Pakistan would “pay back in the same coin”.
He made it clear that Pakistan will never initiate any military adventure, however, he said it will not let any act of aggression go unanswered. “We will respond forcefully.”
It is to be noted that at least 12 people were martyred and over 30 injured in the suicide blast in Islamabad on Tuesday in what is seen an India-sponsored act.
