Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Islamabad: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has delivered a grave caution to Kabul, stating that “war could definitely happen” following the recent suicide bombing that claimed multiple lives in Islamabad. This comes amid heightened tensions as Pakistan accuses Afghan-based militants for the increasing violence within its borders.
The tragic bombing on Tuesday resulted in 12 fatalities and left 36 individuals injured. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has asserted responsibility for this heinous attack, signaling a worrying trend of escalating assaults against both Pakistani civilians and security forces from bases allegedly located within Afghanistan.
In a televised address, Asif emphasized that Pakistan could be “compelled” to target “terrorist havens” in Afghanistan unless decisive actions are taken by Kabul. “War with Afghanistan could definitely happen,” he pointed out, stressing that a significant portion of those responsible for terrorist acts in Pakistan stem from Afghan origins. He noted that around 55 percent of the militants eliminated in confrontations were found to be Afghan nationals.
The minister rebuffed Afghanistan’s criticism of Pakistan as mere “political theatrics”, asserting that the Taliban government lacks coherence and is fragmented. He claimed that there are factions within Kabul's leadership with divergent motivations, suggesting some have ties to India.
Asif warned both Afghanistan and India against any potential aggressions, reaffirming that Pakistan would respond decisively to any provocations. “While Pakistan will not instigate military conflict, any act of hostility will be met with strong retaliation,” he affirmed.
In a separate online interview, Asif accused Afghanistan of “heating the conflict” by permitting terrorist operations to thrive. Initially surprised by the TTP's admission of guilt in the Islamabad incident, he later asserted on social media that Pakistan is “in a state of war.”
He tweeted, “We are in a state of war. Those who think this struggle is confined to the Afghan-Pakistan border are mistaken. This battle is for the entirety of Pakistan, and our army makes daily sacrifices.”
The increasing friction between Islamabad and Kabul highlights a rising regional security crisis. Pakistan consistently accuses Afghanistan's Taliban administration of neglecting to prevent cross-border terrorism, while Kabul rejects these claims, pointing fingers at Pakistan’s internal conflicts.
With tensions escalating and militant activities on the rise, experts express concern that this escalating rhetoric could lead both countries closer to direct confrontation, further unsettling South and Central Asia.
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