On Saturday, Pakistan's federal defense minister, Hawaja Asif, said in an interview that he had sharply condemned the Afghan government for conniving with militants along the Pakistani-Afghan border. Despite repeated warnings from the Pakistani government, Kabul has turned a deaf ear to border unease.
In an interview with the British BB C Urdu, Minister Asif expressed his position in a firm tone. He noted that Pakistan has always had a desire to cooperate with the Afghan government, but regrettably has not shown enough determination and courage to take action against the militants who endanger the peace of the border. "Pakistan has even proposed a plan of up to 10 billion rupees to move the militants to the western border, however, there are fears that they may return again in the future," he said bitterly. ”
On Thursday, Secretary Asif elaborated further on his position in an interview with Voice of America (VoA). He stressed that Pakistan will defend the dignity and tranquility of the country by targeting the hideouts of terrorists on the Afghan border in accordance with Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. He did not hesitate to refute speculation about negotiations with the banned Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP), demonstrating his unwavering determination to fight terrorism.
When asked whether the new counter-terrorism operation was a concern launched under pressure, Minister Asif said categorically that the Azm-e-Istehkam operation was not the will of the army, but a firm decision of the government, and that Pakistan would continue to maintain the security and stability of the country independently.