Quoted by The Express Tribune
Khawaja Asif Defence Minister of Pakistan stated that Terrorism is being exported from Afghanistan to Pakistan, and Pakistan reserves the right to respond defensively.
Khawaja Asif claims that there is evidence of terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan.
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Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said, “Two days ago, I mentioned that terrorism is being exported from Afghanistan to our land, and there is evidence of terrorist hideouts there.”
“We also have the right to retaliate in defence of our people.”
Asif added, “If both countries want to maintain brotherly relations, nothing could be better.”
“I request Asad Qaiser and the opposition not to politicise this issue; it concerns our blood.”
He continued, “If they choose to side with terrorists, it will be clear that they support terrorism. They have ties with the Taliban and have brought 6,000 members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) here.”
The opposition leaders condemned the defence minister’s statement and sought an apology from him. “Khawaja Asif’s statement has the potential to escalate tensions and spark a wave of terrorism, reversing the efforts made towards regional stability and peace,” Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan said.
“Our focus should be on dialogue and collaboration with our Afghan brothers to combat terrorism, not on threats of unilateral military action,” insisted the opposition leader.
